colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Germany. It has long been known that colon cancer in North America, Europe and Australia, where there is plenty of beef and milk products are consumed, is more common than in India, where cows are considered sacred, and the vegetarian diet is more widespread. In search of the cause for this discrepancy, researchers from the German cancer research center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, are encountered on a previously little explored class of pathogens: circular genetic elements, as “Bovine Meat and Milk Factors” referred to. This BMMF could cause chronic inflammation, which can mean a higher risk, particularly for colorectal and possibly breast and prostate cancer, said the Nobel prize winner for medicine and former DKFS-Chairman of the Board Harald zur Hausen at a press conference in Heidelberg, Germany.

Still not much more than a theory

How relevant are the BMMF for the development of tumors, so far, however, it is impossible to estimate. It is clear, however, that there are probably many more factors that contribute to the development of cancer, such as cancer-promoting substances formed by bacteria, which occur in cattle.

Harald zur Hausen had not received the discovery that human papilloma viruses play a role in the development of cervical cancer, in 2008, the Nobel prize for medicine. For some years he goes after the hypothesis, whether in humans through the diet, with beef and cow’s milk cancer can be triggered.

the researchers found a ring-shaped genetic elements similar to the so-called plasmids of bacteria – the BMMF. Clearly, the nature of the pathogen, its characteristics between viruses and bacteria, were yet to be clarified it was from the DKFZ. The adoption of the BMMF can trigger in the human chronic inflammatory reactions, which can promote the tissue surrounding the cancer. “We have discovered a new class of pathogens in beef and milk products, the tumor can trigger growth,” says Hausen.

caution: Long breast-feeding

This Knowledge open up possibilities for Prevention, says zur Hausen. He advises mothers and their children for as long as possible, “the best twelve months” to breastfeed, because certain sugars in breast milk protect babies in front of the BMMF. After that, the immune system of the children was stable and offer better protection against infection, even prior to infection with BMMF-pathogens. Infants should never be early-fed with cow’s milk products, so the DKFZ.

Possibly the Breastfeeding also protects the mother from the effect of the BMMF: The breast tissue was assumed in the contact with the sugar compounds, zur Hausen. Regardless of whether that is the case, studies show that with each additional month of breastfeeding the risk of breast cancer of the mother decreases.

A waiver of beef and cow milk in adult age bring’s most of the time nothing, because one is already infected. “Eat more cheerfully, because they are already infected,” said zur Hausen. As a further possible action by the physician, vaccinations for the cattle and called to filter Out the BMMF from the milk. Also a vaccination for babies he considers to imagine.

Every fifth of cancer attributable to infections

Zur Hausen, about every fifth cancer back to viruses, bacteria or parasites. His voice BMMF-Thesis, on the other hand is due any second cancer infection. Colon cancer, the value increases then to 75 to 80 percent.

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According to the German Butchers nationwide are consumed per head of around ten kilograms of beef and veal annually. As a source for the BMMF only the European cattle is, according to the DKFZ: In Bolivia, where large quantities of red meat eaten, the colon and breast cancer rates are low – there is primarily eaten meat from Zebus. (skb/dpa)