A calcium deficiency may raise the likelihood of advanced breast cancer spreading to your bones.

According to researchers at the ANZAC Research Institute in Concord, Australia, approximately 70% of patients with advanced breast cancer have secondary tumors in their bone.

This spread of cancer to your bones breaks down existing bone which then causes more pain and cancer growth.

The researchers did a study in mice comparing the effects of a low-calcium and high-calcium diet on cancer.

It turned out there were significantly more cancer cells when the diet was low in calcium. The total proportion of bone penetrated by cancer was higher, too.

The scientists believe that older women are especially vulnerable to these effects. They often have calcium deficiencies due to low calcium in their diets or due to vitamin D deficiencies.

More studies need to be done to find out if dietary calcium might help to prevent the spread of breast cancer to bone in women.

Until then, it may make sense to drink milk and reverse any calcium deficiencies. But as always, see your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Important Disclaimer: This information is presented for educational purposes only. This isn’t medical advice and it’s not a substitute for any advice or treatment from your physician. You should always see your doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer or any other medical condition.