Breast cancer deaths linked with daily intake of high fat dairy products

The risk of death in breast cancer survivors are increased by daily consumption of high fat dairy products, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

However, no clinically significant risk is associated with intake of low fat milk products.

A clinical trial involving 1893 breast cancer survivors were surveyed, and their routine food habits and diets were questioned. The questionnaire asked the information about intake of high and low milk products. The participants were followed-up over twelve years.

At the end of the study, the researchers found 49% increased risk of breast cancer related deaths in patients who consumed one or more servings of whole milk, ice creams and butter or cheese products. In the same population, intake of high fat milk products increase death by 64% due to other complications including heart diseases. However, no such risks were observed in low fat milk products consumers.

According to researchers, the elevated levels of estrogen in high fat dairy products trigger the spread of breast cancer cells that worsens the disease. Alternatively, the breast cancer survivors can take low fat milk products to avoid dietary estrogen exposure.