A new study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong link between calcium intake and a lower risk of bowel cancer. The research, based on data from the Million Women Study, analyzed 97 dietary factors among 542,778 women over nearly 17 years.
Calcium's Protective Effect
Researchers found that increasing calcium intake by 300mg per day, equivalent to a glass of milk or a few pots of yogurt, was associated with a 17% decrease in bowel cancer risk. This protective effect was observed regardless of the source of calcium, suggesting that calcium itself, rather than the specific food, is the key factor.
Alcohol Consumption a Risk Factor
Conversely, daily alcohol consumption (approximately a glass of wine or a pint of beer) was linked to a 15% increase in bowel cancer risk. The study also supported prior findings that processed and red meat consumption raises the risk of bowel cancer, with each additional 30g of processed or red meat daily correlating with an 8% heightened risk.
Dietary Advice for Prevention
Experts emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking to mitigate bowel cancer risk. These factors, alongside reduced alcohol and red/processed meat consumption, contribute significantly to prevention. Bowel cancer affects more than 44,000 people annually in the UK, with one in 20 women and one in 17 men facing a lifetime diagnosis.
Symptoms and Additional Risk Factors
Early detection is crucial. The article includes a list of potential symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and persistent abdominal pain, which individuals should be aware of. Overweight/obesity and processed meat consumption are key preventable risk factors. The research highlights that roughly half of bowel cancer cases are preventable.
Conclusion and Further Research
The study underscores calcium's preventive role in bowel cancer. Further research, including the examination of specific ingredients and their effects, is encouraged. The study, the most comprehensive of its kind, provides valuable insights into dietary factors influencing bowel cancer risk.
