Higher Intakes of Tea and Milk May Reduce Risk of AML in Women

Newswise — A diet with higher intakes of milk and tea may lower women's risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to scientists from the laboratory of Susan McCann, PhD, Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). Their research will be presented at the 97th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April 1-5, in the Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.*

Few epidemiological studies have explored the association between diet and AML, the more common acute leukemia in adults. Research by the Roswell Park team suggests that higher intakes of regular tea and milk may reduce the risk of AML, and that higher intakes of beef, coffee, beer and wine may increase the risk of AML in adult women. These findings were gleaned from a hospital-based case control study that examined epidemiologic data collected from 111 cases (56 men and 55 women) and 439 control patients (221 men and 218 women), regarding their intake of select food groups and beverages.

Although limited by the small sample size, these findings indicate that further research is warranted to identify gender-specific characteristics (e.g., reproductive factors) that might explain the differences observed in the effects of diet between men and women.

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. Members include more than 24,000 basic, translational and clinical researchers, health care professionals, and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and in more than 60 other countries. Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation's first cancer research, treatment, and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation's leading cancer centers. For more information, visit RPCI's website at http://www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email [email protected]

*Editor's Note: Abstract # 2005 "Intake of Selected Food Groups and Beverages and Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia" Embargoed until Monday, April 3, 8 amExhibit Hall, Washington Convention Center, Poster Session 4: Diet, Alcohol, Energy, Balance and Cancer Risk.