Will eating dairy increase my risk of getting breast cancer?
The evidence on dairy and breast cancer doesn't consistently show a link. In fact, more often than not, studies suggest that milk and other dairy foods are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Some research even indicates that they might actually help reduce the risk.
Last updated 31/01/2025
Including dairy foods (milk, cheese and yoghurt) in a balanced diet can have amazing benefits for your health. According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, enjoying milk, cheese and yoghurt has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and metabolic syndrome.[1] Dairy also has additional perks for your bones[2] and dental health.[3]
When it comes to breast cancer, the National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends certain foods that can help minimize the risk. Dairy-rich foods are on that list, along with vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and tomatoes.[4]
Now, let's talk about the research looking at the link between dairy and breast cancer. Some observational studies have tried to find a connection, but observational studies can't prove cause and effect. The overall body of evidence doesn't support a link between dairy consumption and breast cancer. In fact, dairy foods contain nutrients with anti-cancer properties, and some studies even suggest that increased dairy consumption is associated with a slightly lower risk of breast cancer.[5]
Plus, levels of substances like IGF-1, estrogen, and progesterone, which could increase breast cancer risk, are actually very low in milk. So, any association is weak.
Both the Cancer Council Australia and the World Cancer Research Fund International agree that there's no significant association between dairy consumption and the risk of breast cancer.[6][7]
Rest assured, Dairy Australia keeps a close eye on scientific research related to breast cancer as well as official advice from authoritative bodies. So you can continue enjoying your daily dose of dairy with confidence.
References
[1] National Health and Medical Research Council. Australian Dietary Guidelines, Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia; 2013.
[2] Ebeling P, Daly R, Kerr D, Kimlin M. Building bones throughout life: an evidence-informed strategy to prevent osteoporosis in Australia. Med J Aust. 2013;199(7 Supp):S1.
[3] Moynihan P, Petersen P. Diet, nutrition and the prevention of dental diseases. Public Health Nutr. 2004;7(1a).
[4] https://nbcf.org.au/about/cancer-control/
[5] Zang J et al. The association between dairy intake and breast cancer in Western and Asian populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Breast Cancer 2015;18:313-322.
[6] https://wiki.cancer.org.au/policy/Position_statement
[7] World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research. Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective, Continuous Update Project Expert Report 2018. Available at dietandcancerreport.org ; Accessed September 23, 2020
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