Book Raises Ire of Dairy Industry

February 20, 2001

Author Jane Plant, currently on a book tour promoting a self-prescribed diet she claims cured her breast cancer, advocates a diet devoid of all dairy products, something that has "no scientific basis, say dairy industry officials. "Plant's arguments are based on one case study – her own – which has not been peer-reviewed in the scientific press," they say.

Plant's book is titled, "Your Life in Your Hands : Understanding, Preventing and Overcoming Breast Cancer." Her comments on dairy products are "unsupported and alarmist," according to the National Dairy Council. Research for years has been demonstrating that dairy products, rich in calcium and other essential nutrients, help fight osteoporosis and other diseases, possibly including some cancers, according to the NDC. Recent research shows that dairy products may play a role in fighting hypertension and several types of cancers, including colon and breast cancer, the dairy statement continues.

"Jane Plant's statements are truly unfortunate. A study describing a single case history, particularly when it is the author's own, is scientifically unacceptable and lacks any objectivity. What hard science shows is that dairy products may, in fact, help prevent breast cancer," says Gregory D. Miller, vice president of nutrition research for the NDC. Miller added that while it's fortunate that Plant is now cancer-free, the fact that she received chemotherapy is probably a key aspect of her battle with cancer.

"There is no scientific evidence for the statements she's making, which will only serve to mislead and scare women unnecessarily," he added. "Women, and for that matter all Americans, should look to trained health professions for nutritional and medical advice on preventing and treating any type of cancer."

Reputable cancer experts report that the risk of breast cancer involves many factors, including family history, environment and lifestyle. Nutrient-rich dairy products, which may help prevent many types of diseases, may also play a positive role in preventing some cancers. A review of major studies (J. American College of Nutrition, 1999) found that calcium and vitamin D in dairy products may help decrease the risk of breast cancer. vitamin D in particular may inhibit breast cancer tumor cells and promote the growth of "good" breast tissue.

In fact, emerging research is showing that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a component of milkfat, is a potent anti-cancer agent and may have additional health benefits. Dr. Clement Ip from the Roswell Cancer Institute in New York has consistently shown CLA to significantly reduce tumor growth in models of breast cancer by as much as 50 percent (Ip et al, 1999), says NDC.