Adopting a vegan diet — one that excludes all animal products and emphasises plant-based foods — has been associated with various health benefits, including a reduction in the risk of certain types of cancer. However, it’s important to understand that while a vegan diet can contribute to lower cancer risk, it is not a guaranteed preventative measure.
Vegan diets are typically rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. These are foods which are high in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, all nutrients which help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer.
Eliminating or reducing the intake of red and processed meats is significant, as these have been linked to higher risks of colorectal and other cancers. Higher dietary fibre is also associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (vegan diets generally provide more fibre than omnivorous diets).
Phytochemicals and antioxidants are another factor. Many plant-based foods contain phytochemicals (such as flavonoids and carotenoids) which have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
While not all vegans are skinny, a healthy vegan diet can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers (including breast, prostate, and colon cancer).
Lower consumption of saturated fats, common in animal products, also appears to decrease the risk of certain cancers and other chronic diseases.
Other research
A comprehensive review of multiple studies has shown that vegans appear to have a lower overall risk of developing cancer compared to non-vegans, but the extent of this reduction varies depending on the type of cancer.
As discussed, there is a lower risk of colorectal cancer in vegans, and some research indicates that vegans may have a slightly lower risk of breast cancer, particularly premenopausal breast cancer. However, findings are mixed, and more research is needed.
There’s evidence to suggest that vegan men may have a reduced risk of prostate cancer, potentially due to lower levels of animal-based hormones and higher intake of protective plant compounds.
Caveats
While a vegan diet can be health-promoting, it’s crucial to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and zinc, which are less abundant in plant-based diets.
Not all vegan diets are inherently healthy. Diets high in processed foods, refined grains, sugars, and unhealthy fats can negate the potential cancer-preventive benefits of a plant-based diet. It’s important to consume a wide range of plant-based foods if you’re vegan. Your diet needs to be well-rounded and nutrient-dense.
Health conscious vegans often engage in other healthy behaviours (such as not smoking, and regular physical activity), which can also contribute to lower cancer risk. It’s not just about diet.
Cancer risk in humans is influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits. A vegan diet is one component that can contribute to risk reduction, but doesn’t eliminate other risk factors.
Regardless of what you eat, it’s important for vegans to adhere to recommended cancer screening guidelines for early detection and prevention, just like the general population.
Adopting a vegan diet appears to lower the risk of certain types of cancer, primarily due to higher consumption of protective plant-based foods and lower intake of potentially carcinogenic animal products, but the overall impact on personal cancer risk depends on the quality and balance of the complete diet, as well as other lifestyle and genetic factors.
For individuals considering a vegan diet for cancer prevention or other health reasons, it’s advisable to plan meals carefully to ensure nutritional adequacy. Consider consulting with qualified healthcare experts or a registered dietitian to learn more.
