The prostate gland is one of the components of the male reproductive system. Normally about the size of a walnut, the prostate surrounds the urethra – the tube that connects the bladder with the tip of the penis. Men can develop several prostate problems, including prostatitis, prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. Some research suggests there might be a relationship between milk consumption and prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that is usually slow to develop. Men who are over age 65, black men, men with a family history of prostate cancer and men who are obese are at higher risk to develop prostate cancer. Diagnosis is based on symptoms such as painful or difficult urination, pain in the testicles or groin, or a physical examination that shows a hard, enlarged prostate. Treatment may include surgery, hormone therapy or radiation.
About Raw Milk
Raw milk is milk that has not been subjected to pasteurization, a process in which the milk is heated to destroy harmful bacteria. Prior to about 1930, most people consumed raw milk. Dr. Thomas Cowan, a physician and raw milk proponent, states that in the early period of the 20th century, when raw milk was the norm, physicians might not see a case of heart disease, breast or prostate cancer in their whole careers. Today, says Cowan, it is a rare physician who can go even a month in practice without seeing one of those conditions.
Research
A study in the July 2010 issue of “Prostate” found that men who had an increased intake of dairy products also had a twofold increase of developing prostate cancer. Calcium, which is a mineral abundant in milk, also showed a correlation: Increased calcium intake resulted in a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer. Whether the milk in the study was pasteurized or raw is not stated. In another study on women reported in the October 2008 “Cancer Causes and Control,” raw milk consumption was not shown to increase the risk of any type of cancer.
Milk and Cancer
An extensive review of milk consumption and several cancers was reported in the 2005 issue of “Nutrition and Cancer.” The authors reviewed milk consumption and the incidence of prostate, breast, colon and rectal cancers in populations from around the world. After adjustments for variables such as whether the milk was full or nonfat, the results showed milk consumption did not increase the risk of any of the cancers studied. The authors do not state whether the milk was raw or pasteurized.
Considerations
At this time, the data indicate milk consumption may be related to prostate cancer; although whether this is due to the milk itself or to calcium intake is unclear. There is insufficient information to determine if there is a difference between raw milk and pasteurized milk in terms of any prostate effects. If you have questions or concerns about your prostate health, consult a health care professional
References
- The Mayo Clinic; Prostate Cancer; April 2011
- Realmilk.com; Raw Milk; Thomas Cowan, MD
- “Prostate”; Diet and Prostate Cancer Risk With Specific Focus on Dairy Products and Dietary Calcium: A Case-Control Study; S. Raimondi, et al.; July 2010
- “Cancer Causes and Control”; Unpasteurized Milk Consumption and Subsequent Risk of Cancer; T.A. Sellers, et al.; October 2008
- “Nutrition and Cancer”; Milk Consumption in Relation to Incidence of Prostate, Breast, Colon, and Rectal Cancers: Is There An Independent Effect?; J. Zhang, H., H. Kesteloot; 2005
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