Plant-based diet may help cancer patients live longer

A diet rich in plantbased foods such as vegetables, lentils, fruit, nuts and whole grains may help people with cancer live longer, studies suggest.

A review published as four separate studies in the International Journal of Cancer (IJC) suggests a plant-based diet, along with an active lifestyle, could potentially improve the overall survival chances of patients with bowel cancer.

Meanwhile another study, published in Jama Network Open, found men with prostate cancer who ate plantbased foods had a 47 per cent lower risk of progression compared to those who did not strictly follow this diet. But the scientists involved in the IJC studies said more research is needed, with better designed trials and larger observational studies.

Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at World Cancer Research Fund International which supported the review, said: “This comprehensive and rigorous review of the current state of evidence offers useful guidance on some of the diet and lifestyle factors that could improve cancer survival, and potentially help people living with and beyond cancer enjoy longer, healthier lives.

“At the same time, it shows a clear need for more welldesigned intervention and cohort studies to support the development of robust recommendations for colorectal (bowel) cancer patients and health professionals.

“As we are seeing an increase of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages, it is more important than ever that health advice is based on highquality research.”