A recent comprehensive study has found that consuming a **large glass of milk daily** could potentially lower the risk of bowel cancer by nearly **20%**. This significant research, the largest of its kind focusing on diet and bowel cancer, analyzed the dietary data of more than **540,000 women** over **16 years**. The findings reveal that an additional **300mg of calcium** per day—roughly equivalent to a sizeable glass of milk—is associated with a **17% decreased risk of bowel cancer**. Researchers also noted that non-dairy sources of calcium, such as fortified soy milk, show similar protective benefits, suggesting that calcium is a key factor in reducing cancer risk (BBC).

Dr. **Keren Papier**, a lead researcher and senior nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Oxford, emphasized the importance of this study, stating, “This comprehensive study provides robust evidence that dairy products may help prevent colorectal cancer, largely due to the calcium they contain.” The data collected pointed to the role of calcium in potentially mitigating the harmful effects of bile and fatty acids in the colon, thus lowering the cancer-causing potential these substances may hold (The Guardian).

Bowel cancer stands as the **third most common cancer** globally, with nearly **2 million new cases** and **1 million deaths** annually. Alarmingly, diagnoses in younger adults, particularly those aged 25 to 49, have risen by **22%** between **1990 and 2018**. Despite these chilling statistics, it is estimated that over half of bowel cancer cases could be prevented with lifestyle changes, including adjustments to diet (BBC).

Key dietary factors affecting bowel cancer risk include an increase in **red and processed meat consumption** and **alcohol intake**. The study found that consuming an extra **20g of alcohol** daily—approximately one large glass of wine—was linked to a **15% increase** in the risk of developing bowel cancer, while an intake of **30g more red and processed meat** raised the risk by **8%**. This highlights the crucial connection between diet and health risks associated with bowel cancer (The Guardian).

Experts are calling for further investigation into how specific dietary components, particularly calcium, impact cancer risk. Dr. Papier anticipates that the benefits of calcium consumption are likely applicable to both men and younger populations, not just the postmenopausal women studied (BBC). Additional commentary from **Dr. Lisa Wilde** of Bowel Cancer UK illustrates the prevalent need for awareness, acknowledging that someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every **12 minutes** in the UK. She underscores that simple dietary alterations can lead to significant health benefits.

In conclusion, this study solidifies the connection between calcium-rich diets—especially including milk—and a reduced risk of bowel cancer. As research continues, health professionals encourage individuals to consider a balanced diet that integrates dairy alongside fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to combat the rising incidence of bowel cancer (The Guardian).

For detailed insights, visit the original articles on BBC and The Guardian.