Regular coffee consumption may be associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in the risk of breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. This conclusion was reached by the authors of a review and meta-analysis published in the prestigious scientific journal "Health Science Reports". Researchers analyzed data from 31 cohort studies examining the relationship between consumption of this popular drink and the likelihood of developing one of the most common cancers among women.
In their study, the researchers examined several categories of coffee: caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and general coffee consumption regardless of its composition. Analysis of this impressive data revealed a weak but consistent trend toward a reduced risk of breast cancer with regular coffee consumption. The most pronounced protective effect was seen in postmenopausal women, the period when ovarian function naturally declines and menstruation stops. According to the study, it is this group that gets the most benefit from the coffee habit.
However, the most interesting result of the study concerns the ingredients of the drink. The researchers found that neither decaffeinated coffee nor pure caffeine, taken alone, showed a significant association with a reduced risk of cancer. This clearly indicates that caffeine is not the main active ingredient. According to the authors, the potential protective effect of coffee is related to a complex of other biologically active substances contained in coffee beans. They mainly include polyphenols, including the powerful antioxidant chlorogenic acids, as well as other compounds that positively affect inflammation and metabolism.
Despite these encouraging results, scientists urge caution against jumping to conclusions and considering coffee as a panacea. The published article emphasizes that the study does not prove a causal relationship between coffee consumption and the absence of cancer. The observed effect remains moderate, suggesting that many other factors may influence the final results. Further large-scale studies involving a larger number of volunteers are needed to fully confirm these results and clarify the exact mechanisms of action of coffee components on breast cells.
