Scientists have reported on the association of a vegetarian diet with a reduced risk of several types of cancer

An international group of scientists has presented the results of the largest study to date on the relationship between vegetarian diets and cancer risk. The analysis showed that avoiding meat is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing several types of cancer, but the effect turned out to be ambiguous and depends on the specific type of tumor. This was reported on February 26 in the journal Medical Xpress.

The work was carried out by specialists from the Cancer Epidemiology Unit at Oxford Population Health. The study is based on combined data from more than 1.8 million people from different regions of the world. Scientists compared the risks of 17 types of cancer among five food groups: meat eaters, people who consume only poultry, pescatarians (those who eat only fish), vegetarians and vegans. It turned out that vegetarians had a 21% lower risk of pancreatic cancer, breast cancer — by 9%, prostate cancer — by 12%, kidney cancer — by 28%, and multiple myeloma — by 31% compared with people who consume meat.

At the same time, the study revealed the opposite trend: the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in vegetarians was almost twice as high. At the same time, no statistically significant differences were found for most other types of cancer. The authors emphasize that plant-based diets usually include more vegetables, fruits, and dietary fiber, as well as exclude processed meat, which may explain part of the protective effect. However, a higher risk of certain types of cancer may be associated with a lack of certain nutrients more commonly found in animal products.

Cancer in the environment: new drug will hit tumor cells on two fronts

As a hybrid protein, it simultaneously suppresses the growth of a neoplasm and reduces the number of vessels around it.

Interestingly, vegans had an increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to meat eaters, while pescetarians had a reduced risk of breast, kidney, and intestinal cancers. In people who consume only poultry, there was a decrease in the risk of prostate cancer.

The researchers note that the data obtained reflect statistical relationships, rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. In addition, the quality of nutrition within each dietary group may vary significantly, so further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of the differences identified. The main conclusion of the work is that the impact of diet on cancer risks is not universal: it is important not only to avoid meat, but also the overall balance of nutrients, which should take into account age, lifestyle and individual characteristics of a person.

Catch at the start: the number of breast cancer patients is growing in Russia

Screenings help to detect the disease at the cellular level

Bariatric surgeon Pavel Biryukov told Izvestia on February 18 that diets rarely produce sustainable results in obese people, as the body turns on defense mechanisms and slows down metabolism. He added that obesity almost never has a single cause.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.