A LITERATURE REVIEW: THE BENEFITS OF A PLANT-BASED DIET IN THE PREVENTION OF CANCER ONSET AND RECURRENCE

Abstract

Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States, and is expected to surpass heart disease as the leading cause in the coming years. Recent research has suggested that adhering to a whole-foods plant-based diet high in fruits, vegetables and unrefined grains, and low in red meat, processed meat, refined grains and added sugars, can assist in the prevention of cancer onset and recurrence. This analysis will explore dietary risk factors associated with the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer, as well as certain components of a plant-based diet that can aid in the prevention of various types of cancer. An extensive body of evidence in the literature supports the finding that a plant-based diet composed of whole plant foods, in contrast to the traditional western diet high in meat, processed food, and dietary fat, can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. For example, a plant-based diet has been shown to positively affect survival rates in colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. Further studies will need to be conducted in an effort to validate the findings that support the adoption of a whole-foods plant-based diet in the prevention of cancer onset and recurrence.