Takeaway
- Meta-analysis found no significant association between overall dairy intake and risk for endometrial cancer; however, 2 studies showed an increased risk for cancer in participants consuming butter.
- In women with high BMI, a significant negative association between dairy products intake and endometrial cancer risk was observed.
Why this matters
- The US Department of Agriculture and the American Institute for Cancer Research promote consumption of dairy products to reduce cancer risk.
- Conjugated linoleic acid in dairy products is believed to induce apoptosis of cancer cells and calcium along with vitamin D could act as a nutrient with anti-neoplastic properties.
Study design
- Meta-analysis of 2 cohort and 16 case-control studies which included participants consuming dairy products.
- Funding: National Key Research and Development Plan and others.
Key results
- No significant association was seen between endometrial cancer risk and consumption of total dairy products (14 studies; OR, 1.04; P=.000), milk (6 studies; OR, 0.99; P=.43) and cheese (3 studies; OR, 0.81; P=.09).
- In 2 cohort studies, a positive association between butter intake and endometrial cancer risk was observed (OR, 1.14; P=.31).
- A significant negative association between dairy products intake and endometrial cancer risk was observed in patients with median BMI greater than 25 (OR, 0.66; P=.002) and in patients with median BMI no more than 25 (OR, 1.05; P=.23).
Limitations
- Risk for bias.
References
References
