Plant-based diets linked to dramatic drop in cancer risk — but is it really that simple? – NaturalNews.com

• A study of 80,000 Seventh-day Adventists found vegans had a 25 percent lower overall cancer risk, with even greater reductions for stomach (45  percent), lymphoma (25 percent) and colorectal cancers (21 percent). Vegetarians saw a 12 percent lower risk compared to meat-eaters.
• While the study adjusted for smoking and alcohol, skeptics note that vegans’ healthier habits (e.g., exercise, lower BMI) may also contribute to reduced cancer risk, making diet’s role unclear.
• The study highlights alarming increases in colorectal, breast and blood cancers among under-50s, suggesting diet could play a key role — especially for younger men (43 percent lower prostate cancer risk for vegans).
• Not all cancers (e.g., uterine, nervous system) showed diet-related differences. Pescatarians had lower colorectal cancer rates than vegetarians, hinting at potential benefits from fish.
• While evidence supports plant-based diets for cancer prevention, causation isn’t proven. Experts advise balanced nutrition, moderation and skepticism toward extreme dietary mandates.

A groundbreaking study suggests that ditching meat and dairy could slash the risk of deadly cancers by up to 25 percent, sparking renewed debate over the role of diet in disease prevention. Researchers at Loma Linda University tracked nearly 80,000 Seventh-day Adventists in North America for eight years, finding that vegans had the lowest cancer rates, followed by vegetarians. But while the findings are compelling, skeptics argue that lifestyle factors—not just diet—may be driving the results.

The study’s key findings

The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed stark differences in cancer risk between meat-eaters and those on plant-based diets. Vegans showed a 25 percent lower overall cancer risk, with even more dramatic drops for specific cancers—stomach cancer risk fell by 45 percent, lymphoma by 25 percent and colorectal cancer by 21 percent. Vegetarians (including those who eat dairy and eggs) still saw a 12 percent reduction in cancer risk compared to regular meat consumers. (Related: 6 Nutritious sources of plant protein for vegans and vegetarians.)

Why Seventh-day Adventists?

The study focused on Seventh-day Adventists, a religious group known for their health-conscious habits, including lower smoking and drinking rates. Researchers adjusted for these factors but admitted that other lifestyle differences — such as exercise and weight management — could still skew results. Critics argue that this makes it difficult to isolate diet as the sole factor in cancer prevention.

The rise of cancer in young people

The study arrives amid alarming trends: Colorectal cancer rates are surging among adults under 50, with England and the U.S. seeing annual increases of 3.6 percent and 2 percent, respectively. Similar upticks have been noted in breast and blood cancers. While obesity and environmental toxins are suspected culprits, the study suggests diet could play a pivotal role — especially for younger men, who saw a 43 percent lower prostate cancer risk on vegan diets.

The vegan advantage — or just healthier living?

Vegans in the study not only avoided animal products but were also leaner, exercised more and drank less alcohol. This raises the question: Is it the absence of meat or the presence of healthier habits that’s driving down cancer risk? Even lead researcher Gary Fraser acknowledged that while the data is “strong and persuasive,” it doesn’t definitively prove causation.

The limits of the research

Not all cancers showed a diet-linked reduction. Cancers of the uterus, nervous system and certain leukemias showed no significant difference between meat-eaters and vegetarians. Additionally, pescatarians (who eat fish) had lower colorectal cancer rates than other vegetarians, suggesting that fish may offer protective benefits not found in purely plant-based diets.

Should governments push plant-based eating?

Despite mounting evidence linking plant-based diets to lower cancer risk, health authorities remain cautious. In the U.K., some experts are urging the NHS to adopt plant-based meal plans, claiming it could save millions in healthcare costs. But critics warn against one-size-fits-all dietary mandates, pointing to genetic and cultural factors that influence individual health outcomes.

While the study adds weight to the argument that plant-based diets reduce cancer risk, it doesn’t settle the debate. What’s clear is that lifestyle — diet, exercise and avoidance of smoking and heavy drinking — plays a critical role in long-term health. For now, the best advice may be simple: Eat more plants, move more and approach sweeping dietary claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.

The link between vegetarian diets and reduced cancer risk is compelling but not yet conclusive. As scientists continue to untangle the complex web of diet, genetics and environment, one thing remains certain: Moderation and balanced nutrition still matter most.

Watch and learn about the relationship between diet, the need for good nutrition and cancer.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Plant-based fats inhibit cancer and prevent both breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Vegetarians Have Lower Cancer Risk Than Meat Eaters.

Vegetarians who eat fish have lower cancer risk: Study.

New Study Shows Vegetarians Less Likely to Develop Cancer.

Where do vegetarians get their protein? Here’s where…

Sources include: 

Dailymail.co.uk

Plantbasednews.org

Standard.co.uk

Brighteon.com