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Researchers have examined 47 studies published between 2006 and 2017, including over one million participants, looking at the effects of animal and plant-based foods on prostate cancer risk.
Results showed that men who ate the most dairy were up to 65 percent more likely to develop the disease while those following vegan diets were up to 36 percent less likely to develop it.
‘Cause for concern’
Lead author Dr John Shin, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, said: “Our review highlighted a cause for concern with high consumption of dairy. The findings also support a growing body of evidence on the potential benefits of plant-based diets”.
They note that in countries where the intake of dairy products is high, prostate cancer rates are high, while in countries in which the intake of dairy products is low, prostate cancer rates are low.
This may be because animal protein and dairy products increase levels of the growth factor IGF-1 in the body. High IGF-1 levels are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer as well as lung, bowel, ovarian and breast cancer.
Consumption of animal products
Previous studies have also shown that increased consumption of animal products is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. For example, several studies have found a link between meat (especially red meat) intake and prostate cancer.
The authors of this review suggest that the production of carcinogenic compounds (heterocyclic amines) during the cooking of meat, as well as hormonal and other nutrient effects may be to blame along with the fact that meat doesn’t contain the cancer-fighting compounds plant foods do such as polyphenols and flavonoids.
Around 47,700 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK each year. In men, it is the most common cancer in the UK, claiming the lives of over 11,000 every year.
Find out more about prostate cancer and diet on Viva!’s website here
Find detailed information on and dairy and prostate cancer and meat and prostate cancer on Viva!’s website here
