Coffee Surprising Winner in Cancer Prevention

All those cups of coffee may have an unexpected side benefit for women. According to new research published in Cancer Epidemiology, it could cut the risk of endometrial cancer.

Women who drank about four cups a day had an 18 percent lower risk of getting that type of cancer than women who drank less than a cup a day.

"We were not surprised by the results that a high versus low intake of coffee was associated with a reduced risk for endometrial cancer because they were consistent with what has been observed in previous studies," Melissa Merritt, the study leader, said.

Health Day reports the researchers don't know why coffee might lower the risk of endometrial cancer. One reason could be that it cuts down on the amount of estrogen in the body.