Though there is not yet a cure for cancer, scientists have identified diet as a key factor in risk reduction.
According to an Interventional Gastroenterologist in California, Dr Lance Uradomo, no single food can eliminate the risk entirely. Specific dietary patterns, however, may play an important role in reducing it.
He told GB News that a predominantly plant-based diet – featuring a lot of vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grains and little to no processed foods, added sugars or sodas, refined grains, red meat or alcohol – provides some protection.
“People who follow a vegan diet or no animal products or dairy have the lowest cancer rate, followed by those who consume a vegetarian diet,” Dr Uradomo explained.
“If you are unsure how to develop healthier eating habits to reduce your cancer risk, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for guidance.”
While some studies suggest a link between dairy and cancer, other studies have observed lower rates of the disease among those who include it in their diet.
The University of Oxford reported in 2022 that studies on Western populations indicate that dairy products may be associated with a lower risk of colon cancer, but a high risk of prostate cancer.
What’s more, no clear link has been found for breast or other types of cancer.
A higher intake of vegetables, however, has consistently been shown to offer protection against the disease.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports that 33 per cent of adults in the UK and Ireland eat five or more portions of fruits and vegetables each day.
“Cooking your food at home gives you the ability to include more vegetables and less salt than commercial or fast-food versions,” advised Dr Uradomo.
“Common fast foods like pizza or hamburgers can be made at home with healthier ingredient swaps.
“Instead of buying sugar-filled frozen yoghurt or ice cream for dessert, you can mix plain Greek yoghurt with berries or other fruit.”
Diet isn’t the only factor to keep an eye on, as excess alcohol can significantly heighten the risk for several types of cancer, Dr Uradomo cautioned.
“It’s just as important to limit or cut out highly processed foods such as hot dogs, bacon, chips and sugar drinks which have been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer,” he noted.
“Reducing or eliminating alcohol is also a lifestyle factor to focus on – the surgeon general’s recent report details the connection between alcohol and the risk of at least seven types of cancer.”
While the link between dairy, animal products and cancer remains unclear, experts caution against eliminating the foods from your diet without considering overall nutritional balance.
