The research indicated that an additional 300mg of calcium per day—roughly the amount in a 240ml glass of milk or two small pots of yogurt—was associated with a 17 percent reduction in bowel cancer risk.

It also found that calcium had a similar protective effect regardless of whether it came from dairy or non-dairy sources, implying that calcium itself was responsible for the benefit.

While researchers clarified that calcium from milk, yogurt, vegetables, and other sources all contributed, they noted that the study did not establish a clear link for cheese or ice cream, leaving it uncertain whether those sources would have the same impact.

The study also supported earlier findings that processed and red meat increase the likelihood of bowel cancer, with an additional 30g per day associated with an eight percent higher risk.

Sophia Lowes, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, emphasized the importance of prevention: “Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting people in the UK, which is why it’s so vital that we know how to prevent it.

“Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, alongside keeping a healthy weight and stopping smoking, is one of the best ways to lower your risk of bowel cancer.

“This includes cutting down on alcohol and red and processed meat, and eating lots of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.

“Dairy products like milk can also be part of a diet which reduces bowel cancer risk.

“We look forward to further research, including into the effects of specific ingredients like calcium, to ensure fewer people are impacted by this devastating disease.”