Key points from article :
A large UK study led by Oxford University and Cancer Research UK has shown that consuming 300mg of calcium daily, equivalent to a glass of milk, may reduce bowel cancer risk by 17%.
Researchers followed the diets of over half a million women for 16 years and found calcium-rich foods, including dairy and non-dairy options like leafy greens and fortified bread, had a protective effect. In contrast, excessive consumption of alcohol and processed meat was linked to increased risk, with an additional glass of wine raising risk by 15% and a slice of ham by 8%.
Calcium may prevent bowel cancer by binding to bile acids and fatty acids in the colon, reducing their carcinogenic potential. Observational data also highlighted other dietary factors, such as fiber and vitamin C, which provided slight protective effects.
The study, published as one of the largest on diet and bowel cancer, aligns with prior research, though experts caution it doesn’t prove causation. Lifestyle changes, including balanced diets and limiting alcohol, could prevent up to half of bowel cancer cases, according to health organizations.
