Milk has long been known to be good for bones and teeth. But new research suggests that a diet high in calcium could also lower the risk of colon cancer.
The disease, which causes nearly 17,000 deaths in Britain every year, has been rising among young adults. Data shows that cases are increasing faster in the UK than in most other Western nations, including the US.
Scientists in the US have found a link between high calcium intake and a lower risk of colon cancer. Their study followed over 470,000 adults and found that those who consumed more than 1,700mg of calcium daily had a significantly lower chance of developing the disease. This amount is much higher than the NHS-recommended daily intake. The researchers observed a 29% decrease in colon cancer cases among those who consumed the most calcium, compared to those who had only 400mg per day.
Why Is This Research Important?
Experts have called these findings significant but stress that more studies are needed. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that boosting calcium intake could help reduce colon cancer risk, particularly in groups with lower intake levels.
The study followed 471,396 cancer-free adults, with an average age of 62, over 18 years. During this time, 10,618 participants were diagnosed with colon cancer.
Women with the highest calcium intake consumed around 2,056mg daily, while men consumed about 1,773mg. In contrast, those in the lowest category had an average intake of about 400mg daily. The data showed that those who consumed the most calcium were 29% less likely to develop colon cancer.
Researchers noted that for every additional 300mg of calcium consumed daily, there was an 8% reduction in colon cancer risk. They found similar effects from both dairy and non-dairy sources of calcium. This suggests that calcium itself plays a key role in reducing cancer risk, rather than the food sources it comes from.
How Much Calcium Do People Need?
The NHS recommends that adults aged 19 to 64 consume 700mg of calcium daily. Most people can get enough calcium through their diet. However, taking more than 1,500mg per day could lead to side effects like stomach pain and diarrhea.
Why Are Colon Cancer Cases Rising in Young People?
Recent data has shown a troubling increase in colon cancer cases among younger people. Small bowel cancer, which affects the small intestine, accounts for around 1,800 cases in the UK each year. Cases among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s have risen by 50% over the past three decades. Experts are still trying to determine why this is happening.
Oncologist Dr. Shivan Sivakumar from the University of Birmingham has called the increase an “epidemic.” He noted that many young patients are developing abdominal cancers with no clear cause.
One theory is that modern diets, which often include high amounts of processed foods and sugar, may be affecting gut health. Obesity rates have also risen, which could contribute to the problem. However, some experts argue that these factors do not fully explain the increase. Many young people diagnosed with colon cancer have no known risk factors and are otherwise healthy.
High-Profile Cases of Colon Cancer
Several well-known figures have battled colon cancer. British journalist and campaigner Deborah James, known as “Bowel Babe,” was diagnosed at 35 and spent her final years raising awareness about the disease. She exercised regularly and was in excellent physical shape before her diagnosis.
Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman, best known for playing Black Panther, died from colon cancer at just 43. His death shocked fans worldwide and brought attention to the increasing number of young people affected by the disease.
What Does the Future Hold?
Experts predict that deaths from bowel cancer in the UK will rise by 2,500 per year between now and 2040. The number of people diagnosed with the disease is expected to increase by about 10% during the same period.
Bowel cancer is already one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the UK. Currently, only half of those diagnosed survive for ten years or more.
While more research is needed, the latest findings offer hope. Increasing calcium intake could be a simple way to reduce colon cancer risk. Scientists will continue studying the link between diet and cancer prevention to develop more effective strategies.
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