Top 10 Foods to Reduce Cancer Risk (And What Foods To Avoid)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that approximately a third of deaths from cancer are related to lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol, being overweight, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity (1).
In addition to avoiding smoking, over-consumption of alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle, following a healthy diet is important for cancer prevention.
In the first instance, a healthy diet is important for maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of 13 specific types of cancer and overall cancer risk (2,3).
Secondly, a healthy diet can provide some protection against cancer via the health-promoting effects of certain foods and nutrients. An unhealthy diet, on the other hand, contains elements that increase the chances of developing cancer.
When it comes to cancer prevention, there are no guarantees, but experts agree that the overall dietary pattern is fundamental and more important than individual foods. A healthy diet is one based predominantly on plant foods, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, and seeds. Fish and moderate amounts of dairy products and poultry may also be included. Processed foods, processed meat in particular, red meat, added sugars, unhealthy fats (trans and saturated), and alcohol should be minimized (4).
Adequate fiber consumption, in particular, is associated with reduced cancer risk (5). As fiber comes from plants, a diet based principally on whole plant foods will naturally meet the requirements for fiber.
In addition, there are some specific foods and food groups that provide nutrients or plant substances, known as phytochemicals, that have been shown to have protective effects. It must be noted that these possible benefits are only present when these foods are included in the context of a healthy diet, as described. There are also certain foods linked with an increased risk of cancer, which should be avoided or minimized.
The following article summarises both beneficial and harmful foods and overall dietary and lifestyle advice for cancer prevention.
Disclaimer: None of the advice in this article is intended to be a substitute for medical treatment or advice. Nor can it cure, treat, or prevent cancer. Please always consult a Health Professional before making any changes to your diet, especially if you are undergoing treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.
List of Foods to Reduce Cancer Risk
Foods to Avoid to Help Prevent Cancer
- Processed and red meats increase the risk of developing bowel cancer and possibly stomach and pancreatic cancers (42,43). The risk is especially high for processed meats which should be avoided or eaten only very occasionally (salami, ham, bacon, sausages, chicken nuggets, luncheon meats etc.). Red meat includes lamb, mutton, beef, and pork and should be eaten no more than 1-2 times per week, but can also be limited further or avoided.
- Alcohol is related to 7 different types of cancer including cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, liver, colon, and breast. It is estimated that 4% of total worldwide cancer cases are caused by alcohol (44,45). Abstinence or very moderate drinking is advisable, especially for people with a family history of any of the above cancers.
- Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) - a 10% increase in the proportion of UPF eaten in the diet is linked with an increase in cancer risk of 10% or more (46). These foods are also linked with obesity and most other major health issues, so should be kept to a minimum or avoided.
- High sugar and fat foods promote inflammation in the body, which is involved in cancer development and progression.
Tips to Reduce Cancer Risk
- Maintain a healthy weight - being overweight is the second highest cause of cancer in the UK. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer (47).
- Vegetarian and vegan diets may be protective against cancer. Being vegetarian reduces risk by approximately 8% and being vegan by 15% according to one study (48,49,50). This is especially true if processed foods are avoided.
- Physical activity protects against cancers of the colon, breast, and endometrium and helps prevent weight gain (51,52).
- Dairy Products - there is evidence that regular consumption of dairy can reduce the risk of bowel cancer (53,54). Fermented dairy has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer (55). Yogurt consumption is linked with a reduced risk of bladder and colorectal cancers (55). There is also however some evidence that consumption of dairy and a high-calcium diet is linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer (56). As the evidence is inconclusive, it is advisable (for non-vegans) to consume high-quality dairy, in small to moderate quantities with a focus on organic, grass-fed fermented dairy, such as yogurt, kefir, and artisan cheeses.
Related
Data Sources and References
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