"Since the 1980’s, study after study has linked dairy consumption to a high incidence of breast and other cancers."

–PETA

"[I]t appears as if milk may be one part of a well-balanced diet that is a force in the battle against breast cancer."

–U.S. National Dairy Council

The wonderful thing about conflicting studies is how convenient it makes it for propagandists to cherry-pick their favourites and ignore the rest.

Recently, for example, the dairy industry blitzed the media about a study from Norway that suggested high milk consumption could cut breast cancer risk almost in half. It was a good honest study. Which means Anette Hjartåker and her associates duly reported that other studies of milk or dairy and breast cancer have been about equally divided: pro, con, and non. "The contradicting results," they wrote, "may indicate that any association between milk consumption and breast cancer is not a strong one."

VERDICT: Studies have yet to clarify whether milk (whole or low fat) promotes breast cancer or helps prevent it.

Back to MILK: What is the Deal?

Syd Baumel
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