title: Calcium and colorectal cancer: some questions remain.
abstract: There is convincing laboratory evidence that calcium reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, but previous epidemiologic studies have reported somewhat inconsistent results. A recent large prospective study confirms that higher calcium intake is associated with a modestly reduced risk of distal colorectal cancer. There was little additional risk reduction associated with consumers of more than 700 mg calcium/day. This study also suggests that certain subgroups, such as males, smokers, and people who consume low levels of vitamin D, may be at differential risk. Because colon cancer is a common disease, even a modest decrease in risk has the potential for preventing a substantial number of cases.
authors.affiliation: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chia
authors.forename: Polly A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Newcomb
mesh_terms: D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D014807:Vitamin D