Coffee may lower risk of uterine cancer

Joe Elvin

23/11/2011 13:50:38

Women who drink plenty of coffee may be at lower risk of developing uterine cancer, according to new research.

The Harvard School of Public Health study - which tracked the coffee-drinking habits of 67,000 women over 26 years - concluded that those who regularly consume more than four cups of coffee a day were 25 per cent less likely to develop the condition.

Although just one per cent of the sample group developed the condition during this time period, the researchers believe that their work still provides an interesting link between the coffee and cancer of the uterus. This is because it eliminated other factors such as weight differences, childbirth history and hormone use.

The results may encourage women to invest in a cappuccino machine for the home so they can increase their coffee intake and potentially reap the health benefits.

In an evaluation of his study, head researcher Edward Giovannucci explained how coffee could have a positive effect on the risk of endometrial cancer.

“It can lower insulin levels and may lower levels of free oestrogen circulating in the body,” he told Reuters.

A review of the experiment on dawn.com pointed out that obesity is the biggest factor causing endometrial cancer. Therefore anyone frequently adding sugar and cream to their coffee may be cancelling out the health benefits.