Dairy Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Dietary factors, particularly dairy consumption, have been suggested to play a protective role in CRC prevention. Aims & Objectives: This updated systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between dairy product consumption and the risk of CRC based on recent observational studies published between 2020 and 2025. Methodology: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Cohort and case-control studies assessing dairy intake and CRC risk were included. Study quality was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled risk estimates. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic. Results: Out of 571 identified studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 821,865 participants. Overall, dairy consumption was associated with a significant 25% reduction in CRC risk (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.67–0.83; I² = 87.1%). Cohort studies showed an 11% risk reduction (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85–0.94), while case-control studies demonstrated a 52% reduction (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35–0.65). Subgroup analysis indicated reduced risk with total dairy products (OR = 0.74) and milk consumption (OR = 0.72). Conclusion: Dairy consumption, particularly milk, may have a protective role against CRC. Further randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.