What you may have heard
Frequent egg consumption can increase your risk of cancer.
What the science tells us
Eggs support overall health and are a key source of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain high levels of cholesterol and their relationship with heart health remains debated. Concerns about cancer risk stem from both cholesterol and choline found in egg yolks. However, whether eggs are linked to cancer risk is unclear and evidence is limited.
Epidemiological Evidence
Some studies suggest possible associations between egg consumption and hormone-related cancers, including prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers:
- A meta-analysis of observational studies found that high egg intake was associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer (Zeng et al.), though statistical significance varied by study design and was primarily seen in case-control studies. Case-control studies are more prone to recall bias and are generally considered less reliable than cohort studies for evaluating nutritional exposures.
- A cohort study found that high egg consumption was associated with an increased risk of developing lethal prostate cancer among healthy men (Richman et al.).
- Another meta-analysis linked egg intake with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in European, Japanese, and postmenopausal populations (Si et al.).
In each of these cases, researchers called for additional prospective cohort studies, emphasizing the need for further long-term research to clarify these relationships.
How to reduce your risk
Although eggs are not clearly linked to cancer, dietary guidelines often suggest limiting consumption due to concerns about cholesterol and cardiovascular health.
- Moderate egg intake: most healthy adults can eat up to seven eggs per week. Individuals with high cholesterol or other cardiovascular issues should consult with a healthcare professional for diet recommendations.
- Choose healthier cooking methods (e.g., boiled or poached eggs instead of fried).
- Prioritize a balanced diet with diverse protein sources.
Bottom line
While some findings suggest potential links between eggs and cancer, current evidence is limited, and further longitudinal research is needed. For most people, eggs can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation.