Dairy and Breast Cancer
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month! We will all be urged to think pink, honor survivors, and donate to the cause. Naysayers will decry all the pinkwashing. But who will be talking about the irrefutable connections between lifestyle, diet, and health?
The Liberation League empowers women to take charge of their breast health with evidence-based, practical advice.
What women should know about dairy and breast cancer
There’s a growing body of evidence linking dairy consumption to several cancers—including breast cancer.
The underlying causes are increased levels of a growth hormone called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) and other hidden hormones—since milk comes from pregnant cows.
Integrating nutrition into breast healthcare
When renowned breast cancer surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk set out to write the definitive book about breast health, even she didn’t fully realize the importance of nutrition.
But as she dug into the research and uncovered the science on dairy and breast cancer, she was appalled.
“I’ve been helping women with all aspects of breast health for over 25 years. I know what the science says. But I’ve discovered something even more important. I’ve seen what happens, time after time, when women switch their diet. I have observed the power of a plant-based, dairy-free plate to help reduce the risk of breast cancer, speed recovery, and help prevent relapse and recurrence. And the best part? It is a strategy that every woman can adopt.”
Clinical evidence linking dairy and breast cancer
More and more evidence indicates a trend between consuming dairy and breast cancer. We selected the strongest studies, covering tens of thousands of women:
- Adventist Health Study followed about 53,000 women in the U.S. and Canada for 8 years. Women with the highest dairy milk intake had a 50% higher rate of breast cancer than women with the lowest. Whole milk and reduced-fat milk gave similar results, so it was not just about the fat content.
- Combined analysis of studies found that milk intakes above 2 cups per day were linked with higher risk of a breast cancer diagnosis.
- Review of 51 studies found that total milk intake was linked with a 31% higher risk of estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer.
- Swedish study of nearly 34,000 women found that drinking 2 or more servings of milk per day was linked with a 30% higher rate of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
- Study of nearly 1,900 breast cancer survivors found that 1 or more servings per day of high-fat dairy was linked with higher breast cancer mortality and a higher overall mortality.
We are here for you
You can reduce your risk, boost recovery, or build resilience–starting tomorrow!
Most breast cancer risk factors are out of your hands.
But what you prep for dinner every night or pour in your morning coffee is up to you.
We recommend you try:
- Soy, oat, almond, or cashew milk
- Soy, oat, cashew, or coconut creamer
- Almond, oat, or pistachio barista blends
Are you ready to dive head-first into a plant-based lifestyle, reaping a multitude of health benefits? We have dozens of recipes to get you started now! Plus, download our Fact Sheet: “What Women Should Know About Dairy and Breast Cancer.“
Hungry for even more?
Register for our October 15 webinar, What’s the Connection Between Dairy and Breast Cancer? featuring Dr. Kristi Funk, Dietitian Tiffany Bruno, and Olympic Medalist Dotsie Bausch. We will answer this vitally important question and introduce you to Switch4Good’s Liberation League, a passionate coalition of women dedicated to elevating the science that connects dairy consumption and breast cancer risk while offering practical alternatives. Click here to register for the webinar.
Dairy can also have a major impact on other aspects of women’s health—including the gut. Take our Gut Health Quiz to find out if dairy is affecting you.