Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer

Consumption of Dairy Products Increases Ovarian Cancer Risk

A meta-analysis of 21 studies that examined a relationship between dairy product consumption and ovarian cancer risk found that every 10 grams of lactose consumed (the amount in one glass of milk) on a daily basis increased ovarian cancer risk by 13 percent. The study found a stronger link in cohort studies than in case-control studies. (Cohort studies follow a group of people over time and are considered more reliable than case-control studies, which compare patients and healthy control subjects at a single point in time.) Skim, low-fat, and whole milk, yogurt, cheese, and total lactose (dairy sugar) consumption was analyzed in these studies. Previous studies have suggested that galactose, a byproduct of lactose digestion, may have a toxic effect on a woman’s ovaries.

Larsson SC, Orsini N, Wolk A. Milk, milk products, and lactose intake and ovarian cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Int J Cancer. Available at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/110575092/ABSTRACT. Accessed September 23, 2005.

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