Bushra Griffith
There is an ongoing debate about the relationship between cheese and cancer, specifically estrogen-based cancers. Some studies suggest that cheese, derived from milk, contains trace amounts of estrogen and other hormones from pregnant cows, which can disrupt the natural hormonal balance in humans and potentially increase the risk of hormone-related cancers. On the other hand, some studies have found no clear link between cheese consumption and breast cancer risk, and in some cases, suggest that certain types of cheese, such as cottage cheese and ricotta cheese, may even offer a protective effect against specific subtypes of breast cancer. As a result, there have been petitions to add warning labels to cheese products, indicating potential risks, while others argue for caution in interpreting the available evidence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does cheese increase the risk of estrogen-based cancer? | There is conflicting evidence. Some studies suggest that cheese contains hormones that may increase the risk of estrogen-based cancers, such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer. However, other studies have found no clear association between cheese consumption and the risk of estrogen-based cancers. |
| Types of cheese associated with increased risk | Full-fat cheese, goat cheese, American cheese, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese have been associated with an increased risk of estrogen-based cancers. |
| Types of cheese associated with decreased risk | Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and yogurt have been associated with a lower risk of developing certain types of breast cancer. |
| Recommended alternatives | Plant-based alternatives to cheese are recommended by some doctors to reduce the risk of estrogen-based cancers. |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy products contain traces of oestrogen from cows
Oestrogen levels in milk are highest in the third trimester of pregnancy and lowest in the first. The steroid hormones estrone (E1), 17α-estradiol (αE2), 17β-estradiol (βE2), and estriol (E3) have all been found in milk from pregnant cows. The quantity of active estrogens in dairy products is generally quite low, but they appear to be biologically active in humans.
When milk is converted into cheese, the oestrogen becomes more concentrated. Cheese contains higher levels of oestrogen than milk, and consuming cheese can disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance. According to Dr Neal Barnard, even one serving of cheese per day can increase the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer.
However, some studies have found that consuming certain fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt and cottage cheese, may lower the risk of developing certain types of breast cancer. The results of these studies have been inconsistent across different countries, with women in Canada and the US not showing the same reduced risk. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between dairy products, oestrogen, and cancer risk.
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Cheese concentrates the oestrogen found in milk
Dairy products contain traces of oestrogen from cows. Milk also contains oestrogen, but the process of converting milk to cheese concentrates the oestrogen. Milk used to make cheese is often sourced from pregnant cows, which have elevated levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
Dr Neal Barnard, who founded the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), has campaigned for cheese to carry a warning label, stating that it may increase the risk of breast cancer. He draws parallels between the normalisation of smoking in previous generations and the current perception of cheese as a harmless food product.
Dr Barnard's views are supported by various studies. A 2017 study funded by the National Cancer Institute found that women who consumed the most American, cheddar, and cream cheeses had a 53% increased risk of breast cancer. Another study found that women previously diagnosed with breast cancer who consumed one or more servings of high-fat dairy products daily had a 49% higher breast cancer mortality rate.
However, other studies suggest that cheese may not increase the risk of breast cancer. A 2024 European study reported that cheese intake was associated with a lower risk of luminal A breast cancer. Another meta-analysis found that higher cottage or ricotta cheese consumption was associated with a lower risk of ER-negative breast cancer.
While the evidence on the link between cheese and breast cancer is mixed, it is important to note that cheese is a source of calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, those who choose to reduce their cheese consumption should ensure they are getting these nutrients from other sources.
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Dairy cheese may increase breast cancer mortality risk
Dairy cheese contains traces of oestrogen from cows, which become more concentrated as milk is converted into cheese. According to Dr Neal Barnard, founder of the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), the hormones in cheese "mess with the body's own natural hormonal balance".
The PCRM has petitioned the FDA to require cheese manufacturers to include a warning label on all dairy cheese products, stating: "Dairy cheese contains reproductive hormones that may increase breast cancer mortality risk." The petition cites several studies linking the consumption of cheese and other high-fat dairy products to an increased risk of breast cancer. One such study found that among women previously diagnosed with breast cancer, those consuming one or more servings of high-fat dairy products daily had a 49% higher breast cancer mortality rate compared to those consuming less than half a serving.
However, other studies have found no clear association between dairy consumption and breast cancer risk. Some studies have even reported that cheese is associated with a lower risk of certain subtypes of breast cancer. For example, a 2023 meta-analysis found that increasing dietary calcium intake was associated with a modestly reduced risk of breast cancer, and higher cottage or ricotta cheese consumption was associated with a lower risk of ER-negative breast cancer. Similarly, a 2024 European study reported that cheese intake was associated with a lower risk of luminal A breast cancer.
While the evidence on the link between cheese consumption and breast cancer risk is mixed, it is worth noting that cheese is a source of both calcium and vitamin D in the typical American diet. Therefore, those who choose to reduce their cheese consumption should ensure they are getting these nutrients from other sources.
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Goat cheese has more oestrogen than other cheeses
Dairy products have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly hormone-related cancers such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer. This is due to the presence of estrogen and other hormones in milk, which is then further concentrated when milk is converted into cheese. While the link between dairy and cancer is still being researched, some studies have found a strong correlation.
Goat cheese has been specifically highlighted as containing even higher levels of estrogen than other types of cheese. This is because goat milk is often sourced from pregnant goats, which have elevated estrogen levels—up to 33 times higher than non-pregnant levels. Additionally, the shorter gestation period of goats means that their milk contains less time with elevated estrogen levels than cow milk. As a result, goat cheese may contribute more significantly to the risk of hormone-related cancers.
However, it is important to note that the impact of goat cheese on cancer risk is complex and influenced by various factors. For example, the type of cheese, the amount consumed, and individual factors such as age, BMI, and menopausal status may all play a role. Additionally, the way dairy is processed and farmed can also affect its impact on health. For instance, organic cow milk does not necessarily have lower estrogen levels than non-organic milk because the cows are often milked during pregnancy.
While goat cheese may have higher estrogen levels, it is worth considering the overall intake of dairy and the potential impact on health. Some studies have suggested that even one serving of cheese per day can increase the risk of hormone-related cancers. Additionally, dairy products have been linked to higher lifetime incidences of cancer, particularly in men who consume less plant-based diets.
To reduce the potential risk associated with dairy and estrogen-based cancers, some experts recommend switching to non-dairy alternatives, such as nut milk and cheese. These alternatives do not contain estrogens and can provide a healthier option for individuals concerned about their estrogen intake and cancer risk. However, further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between dairy, estrogen, and cancer risk.
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Dairy cheese may increase the risk of other hormone-related cancers
Dairy cheese contains trace amounts of oestrogen and other chemicals given to pregnant cows, which pass to us through their milk. When eaten regularly, these hormones can interfere with the body's natural hormonal balance. According to Dr Neal Barnard, even small amounts of oestrogen can increase the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer.
A study by the Mayo Clinic, published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, found a link between dairy consumption by men and a higher incidence of prostate cancer. The study also found that men who ate a more plant-based diet had a lower lifetime risk of prostate cancer.
While some studies have reported a positive association between cheese consumption and lower or no risk of certain subtypes of breast cancer, the evidence is mixed. Some studies have found that higher intakes of cottage cheese, fresh cheese, and ricotta cheese are associated with a lower risk of ER-negative breast cancer, a less hormonally-dependent subtype. However, other studies have found an increased risk of breast cancer associated with the consumption of high-fat dairy products, including cheese.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organisation with over 12,000 doctor members, has petitioned the FDA to require cheese manufacturers to include a warning label about the potential risk of breast cancer associated with dairy cheese consumption.
While the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, the available evidence suggests that dairy cheese may indeed increase the risk of certain hormone-related cancers, particularly when consumed in high amounts.
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Frequently asked questions
Dairy products contain traces of estrogens from cows, and as milk is converted to cheese, the estrogens become more concentrated. While the effect of cheese consumption on estrogen-based cancers is not entirely clear, some studies have shown that eating cheese daily may increase the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast, uterine, and prostate cancer.
All animal cheese is laden with fat and hormones, but goat cheese has been found to contain higher levels of estrogen.
Some studies have found that consuming higher-fermented dairy foods, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or ricotta cheese, may offer some protection against developing a hormone-negative type of breast cancer.
