Mixed effects
Milk, yogurt and cheese
dairy. Dairy.
- Verdict
- Mixed effectsIt seems to lower risk of some cancers and may raise risk of others.
- How sure
- Rung 3 · ModerateConsistent observational studies or small trials, not yet confirmed by large trials.
The rung shows how sure the science is, not how big the effect is. How to read these ratings
Cancers affected
Lower colorectal; possibly higher prostate
What the evidence shows
Dairy probably lowers colorectal cancer risk. For prostate cancer, the evidence that high dairy or calcium intake raises risk is limited.
What to do
Moderate amounts fit most diets. Men concerned about prostate cancer need not go heavy on dairy.
Sources
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer and prostate cancer pages.