Milk raises risk of serious ovarian cancer

DRINKING more than two glasses of milk a day increases the risk of ovarian cancer, research has revealed.

A study involving more than 60,000 women in Sweden found consuming a large quantity of dairy products significantly increased the chances of the most serious form of ovarian cancer.

The findings follow past claims that dairy products are linked to certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed over 60,000 women aged 38 to 76.

Their diet was assessed between 1987 and 1990 using a food-frequency questionnaire, and they were followed up for around 13 years.

During this time, a total of 266 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, of whom 125 had serious ovarian cancer.

The researchers, led by Dr Susanna Larsson from the Karolinska Institute, found women who consumed more than four servings of dairy products a day had twice the risk of serious ovarian cancer than women who had fewer than two.

They found that milk had the strongest link with ovarian cancer, with those drinking two or more glasses facing double the risk of those who consumed it never or seldom.

“Our data indicates that high intakes of lactose and dairy products, particularly milk, are associated with an increased risk of serious ovarian cancer but not of other sub-types of ovarian cancer.”

However, some experts claim that the calcium in milk and other dairy products is crucial in maintaining healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis in later life.

The National Dairy Council (NDC) recommends that everyone should have three helpings of dairy products a day.

NDC nutrition manager Dr Lean O’Flaherty said she remained confident that three helpings a day were beneficial and she was concerned that women would cut milk out of their diets.

“In this area, there are conflicting results. We don’t encourage people to cut out any food group.

“Irish women consume on average just one-and-a-half servings of dairy products rather than the recommended three, and 36% don’t consume enough calcium,” she said.

“We need to look at the balance of evidence and there is a lot of positive research coming through as well. Studies have linked calcium not only to bone health but also to low blood pressure and heart health,” she said.

According to the National Cancer Registry, there were 373 cases of ovarian cancer in Ireland in 2000.

For further information contact the Irish Cancer Society Helpline on Freefone 1800-200700.