Testicular Cancer Linked To High Dairy Intake

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Testicular Cancer Linked To High Dairy Intake

10-15-3

 

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Canadian men who consume comparatively

high amounts of dairy products have an increased risk of testicular

cancer, according to a new study.

 

" Although testicular cancer is a relatively rare lesion, accounting

for only 1.1% of all malignant neoplasms in males in Canada, it is

the most common cancer among Canadian men 20 to 45 years of age, "

Dr. Michael J. Garner, of the University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,

and others write in the International Journal of Cancer.

 

The researchers obtained dietary information from 601 patients with

testicular cancer and 744 similar men without cancer. They used a 69-

item food-frequency questionnaire to collect data on 17 food groups,

15 nutrients, and 4 individual foods.

 

Subjects who consumed high levels of dairy products had an increased

risk of testicular cancer. In particular, a high intake of cheese

was tied to an 87 percent higher likelihood of developing testicular

cancer.

 

Luncheon meat intake was also associated significantly with

testicular cancer risk in the total sample, Garner's team found.

 

The investigators report that none of the nutrients were linked the

risk of testicular cancer, but carbohydrate intake was marginally

associated with one type of testicular cancer.

 

" Our study adds significantly to the sparse literature on dietary

risk factors for testicular cancer, " the researchers write.

 

" Although the present study provides evidence of increased risk in

relation to the consumption of dairy products, the role of diet in

testicular cancer etiology requires further research, " they

conclude.

 

SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, October 10, 2003.