Physicians want cheese labelled as carcinogenic

Experts blame lifestyle of younger women for developing breast cancer, urge caution on diet

Some physicians want cheese to be labelled as a cancer causing product due to its high fat content and the presence of oestrogen hormones.

Cheese contains residues of the reproductive hormone oestrogen, which is given to cows so that they produce more milk. The hormone residue in the milk is transferred to humans even after it is processed both as milk and milk products.

Dr Sai Ram, an oncologist at the MNJ Cancer Hospital, says, “The increase in the incidence of breast cancer from 95,000 cases a year in 2000 to 1,62,468 cases in 2018 are cause for worry. The use of milk and milk products like cheese, paneer, rabadi and other concentrated milk products is on the rise. These are now emerging as new factors for the incidence of the disease. A caution will create awareness. It will help people make an informed choice.”

GLOBOCAN 2018 (an online database providing estimates of incidence and mortality in 185 countries for 36 types of cancer and for all cancer sites combined) reports show that the average age of a breast cancer patient is 46. The younger age group being affected with breast cancer is not only due to genetic mutation but also lifestyle choices, say medical experts.

Nutritionist Sujatha Stephen says increased consumption of fast food has replaced cereals and other protein rich foods. The demand for cheddar and mozzarella cheese is very high in India. Ms Stephen says that “we are now finding cheese in our regular foods such as bhel puri, samosas and pav bhaji. Cheese does contain nutritious components like calcium and protein. But it must be had in moderation. It is high in fat and that is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases too.”

Studies since 2002 in several centres across the world have shown that cheese is a causative factor for breast cancer.

But does it really require a caution label? Do we really need to scare the consumer? Have we reached the stage we have reached in the consumption of tobacco?

Dr P. Raghu Ram, president elect of the Association of Surgeons of India says, “The studies have shown that specific dairy foods have a marginally increased risk of developing breast cancer in women. This is due to increased circulating levels of oestrogen in the body. There is no recent ground breaking evidence confirming serious implications of the intake of cheese.”

The thumb rule is that it is best to avoid or minimise consumption of foods that are rich in fat. Excessive intake of any high fat food is not good for the body. There is ample evidence that a healthy diet and regular exercise are the best ways to reduce the chance of developing cancer.

Excessive intake of high fat food is not good for the body. There is ample evidence that a healthy diet and regular exercise are the best ways to reduce the chance of developing cancer.