Forum Discussion

Janet_Plummer's avatar
Janet_Plummer
Member
12 years ago

Dairy foods and cancer?

http://www.theage.com.au/national/will-giving-up-dairy-defeat-cancer-20140605-39lpz.html

I thought some of you might be interested in reading this article about the supposed role of dairy foods in causing cancer.

Personally I don't know what to believe anymore. When I was diagnosed a couple of years ago my oncologist encouraged me to eat dairy as she planned to put me on an aromotase inhibitor eventually which would undermine my bones. So in the lead up to that, dairy - and the calcium  it provides - was thought to be a good thing. 

I have assumed that the people who argued that dairy foods are linked to cancer must be a bit loopy. But this article has got me wondering whether I should be at least cutting back on dairy products.

I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on this issue?

 

 

9 Replies

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    The article may have a valid point. The lady in question has had the experience that's for sure. I've increased my calcium intake because of the Arimidex I'm on, so it's hard to know what to do. What Deanne said was correct, if it was that simple they would have figured it out by now.  I'll stay with a well balanced diet and I think moderation is the key. Interesting reading though. Food for thought, excuse the pun,

    Hazel xx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Yes more veggies! I think even this Dr herself admitted that she changed more than just the dairy and animal products. She mentioned meditation and relaxation. She also had conventional treatment and so I think it is impossible to conclude that just excluding dairy could make a difference for everyone who gets BC. :)
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I don't think any ONE thing causes breast cancer. If it were that simple they would have worked it out. I think it is probably reasonable to think that dairy might be a problem for some people and combined with other circumstances may have an impact on getting cancer. As Michelle says everything in moderation. If you don't have an issue such as lactose intolerance then a little dairy included in a balanced diet rich in organic vegetables and fruit and a little organic meat should be a good thing. Combine this with other healthy lifestyle measures such as exercise and meditation, avoiding chemicals (including alcohol) where possible and not stressing over articles such as this and I think we are doing the right thing for our bodies. Many people eat diary and never get breast cancer and this lady has reduced or excluded it and still had breast cancer 6 times! Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I don't think any ONE thing causes breast cancer. If it were that simple they would have worked it out. I think it is probably reasonable to think that dairy might be a problem for some people and combined with other circumstances may have an impact on getting cancer. As Michelle says everything in moderation. If you don't have an issue such as lactose intolerance then a little dairy included in a balanced diet rich in organic vegetables and fruit and a little organic meat should be a good thing. Combine this with other healthy lifestyle measures such as exercise and meditation, avoiding chemicals (including alcohol) where possible and not stressing over articles such as this and I think we are doing the right thing for our bodies. Many people eat diary and never get breast cancer and this lady has reduced or excluded it and still had breast cancer 6 times! Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    That is wonderful Michelle! I have been to my dentist today to have a full checkup before starting my injections.My T score is 2.7 so any improvement would be welcomed! At least I got a good report from the dentist.Take care.xoxRobyn
  • Carol's avatar
    Carol
    Member
    12 years ago
    I think each article depends so much on the view of those doing the research and how "scientific" the process is. I have had plenty of dairy over the years because i love cheese and find it very hard now I am lactose and gluten intolerant. There are of course other things like fat in milk and cheese which can cause weight gain one of many factors which may lead to cancer. Just as there are many other sources of calcium. Personally i wouldn't trust just one piece of research. Rather i would wait for more research, if there is any to corroborate or otherwise and probably seek the advice of my medical,team also. Your pink sister, Carol
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    While we are talking calcium, I had the bone densitometry scans yesterday - even the radiographer was surprised.  My spinal scan has my bones back in the green  (it was in the mid-yellow in 2012). The T score has improved from -1.05 (in 2012) to  -0.12.  (Normal is better than -1, so for the first time in years I am out of osteopaenia and in normal range.)  The hip readings haven't changed much, so will get the doctor's opinion in 2 weeks.  I am thrilled with the results in a year, and hope you will have the same success.  Michelle xx

     

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    A very interesting read, and food for thought.  My GP agrees with her that milk is for calves, not people, and isn't a believer in cheese, either. (And that is whether you have bc or not!)  Opinions are very divided, but I am inclined to believe all things in moderation works for most of us.  The calcium issue is a big one so  I have stayed with milk and yoghurt, but have cut back on cheese.  Also really like almond milk and substitute it sometimes on cereal.

    Thank you for pointing out the article.  Michelle x

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago

    Far out, what next!I have just increased my dairy because of my advanced osteoporosis. I can't have soy products cause I'm on Tamoxifen.It is an interesting article, but just how many of these articles are we supposed to follow?Cheers Robynxox