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News
A new survey reveals that only 20% of men know dairy consumption is linked to higher prostate cancer risk — and just as few have heard about it from a doctor. Once informed, 66% said they'd consider cutting back on dairy. Research backs the concern, with some studies showing plant-based diets can cut prostate cancer risk by up to 35%.
A new survey of 1,102 U.S. men, conducted by Morning Consult for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, found a striking knowledge gap: only 20% of men knew that dairy consumption has been linked to increased prostate cancer risk. Equally concerning, only 20% had ever received nutrition-related guidance about prostate cancer from a healthcare provider. Once informed of the risk, 66% said they'd likely cut back on dairy — and 76% supported adding warning labels to dairy products.
The science behind the concern is growing. Multiple studies and meta-analyses have linked higher dairy intake to elevated prostate cancer risk, and some research suggests whole milk consumption may raise the risk of dying from prostate cancer by as much as 50%. On the flip side, plant-based diets show real promise — men following a vegan diet had a 35% lower prostate cancer risk, and those eating the most plant foods after diagnosis had a 56% lower risk of disease progression.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. With awareness this low and dietary choices this modifiable, there's a clear opportunity for clinicians to close the gap — starting with a conversation about what's on the plate.
