The benefits of consuming adequate calcium, especially from dairy foods, are numerous and include bone health, nerve and muscle function and effectively treating mild hypertension. Current ongoing research is investigating the link between dairy products, calcium and vitamin D and cancer prevention.

According to the American Cancer Society, 1,437,180 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2008. Currently, one of every four deaths in the United States is related to cancer¹. The devastating effects of this disease warrant attention in finding means to prevent it. Many studies are now underway that examine the impact of lifestyle on cancer, specifically the impact of diet and exercise on disease prevalence.

A primary goal in cancer prevention is maintaining a healthy body weight. This can be achieved by eating a balanced diet based on MyPyramid and focusing on under-consumed foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains, as well as lean meat and protein alternatives. These food choices also provide valuable nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, carotenoids and fiber. Limiting fat intake, high-calorie extra foods and discretionary calories, as well as enjoying 30-60 minutes of exercise each day, contribute greatly to overall well-being and health.

Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, taking about 55,000 lives annually. Both genetic and environmental factors, including diet and activity, are known to play a role in the development of these cancers. It is well documented that eating a low-fiber, high-fat diet and drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing colon cancer. On the other hand, consuming diets high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting high-fat foods can help prevent colon cancer. Further, a growing body of research suggests that a diet high in low-fat dairy products may decrease the risk. A 2002 study by Wu et al. shows that consistently consuming at least 700 mg of calcium per day is protective against colon cancer². The exact mechanism for protection is still under investigation; however, it is believed that calcium binds to cancer-causing agents in the gut and aids in their excretion³. This significantly reduces the risk of cancer by decreasing the likelihood of cancer-causing agents interacting with exposed colon cells. This handout, Colon Cancer: What You Can Do to Prevent It describes in more detail how consumers can aim to prevent this common form of cancer.

The impact of calcium and dairy foods on other types of cancer are currently being studied; however, very little evidence is available to establish solid connections. Current studies focus primarily on connections between calcium and vitamin D intake with the development of prostate and breast cancers. A 2007 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows a possible connection between increased intake of calcium and vitamin D with decreased pre-menopausal breast cancer.⁴ However, recent reviews of the literature have concluded that there is no substantial evidence that dairy or calcium is protective against breast cancer. A variety of different types of studies in different population groups suggest that dairy products, milk, and/or calcium consumption may be risk factors for prostate cancer. More studies need to be done to confirm this link and clarify the consumption level at which one’s risk increases. Although scientists do not fully understand the relationship between calcium intake and cancer, continuing to consume recommended amounts of calcium in the diet is valuable for its other benefits in heart, muscle, and bone health.

For optimal health during adulthood, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults consume 1000 mg of calcium daily. Meeting daily recommendations and enjoying the protective effects of calcium can be done easily by enjoying a variety of low-fat dairy products every day. To determine how much calcium you are getting from your diet, try our Calcium Quiz.

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¹American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2008.
²Wu et al. J of the Nat Cancer Inst. 2002 Vol. 94, No. 6: 437-446.
³Am J of Clinical Nut. 2004 Vol. 80, No. 5, 1358-1365.
⁴Lin et al. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167(10):1050-1059.