09/15/2026
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and a new survey finds that just 20% of U.S. men knew that milk and other dairy products have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
The Morning Consult survey of 1,102 men found that only 20% had ever received information from a healthcare professional about the connection between nutrition and prostate cancer. After being told about the dairy-prostate cancer association, 66% said they would be likely to avoid dairy products.
Research has linked higher dairy consumption to a greater risk of prostate cancer. A meta-analysis of 32 studies found that men consuming larger amounts of dairy were more likely to develop the disease.
Other research has found potential benefits from eating more plant foods. In one large study, men following a vegan diet had a 35% lower risk of prostate cancer than men following other dietary patterns.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among U.S. men, after skin cancer.