How a Plant-Based Diet Can Help Improve Cancer Survival Rates
Study Shows Potential for Increased Cancer Survival Rates with Plant-Based Diet
According to recent research published in the International Journal of Cancer (IJC), individuals diagnosed with bowel cancer could significantly improve their chances of survival by incorporating a plant-based diet into their lifestyle. The studies conducted by the IJC suggest that consuming a diet rich in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, lentils, fruit, nuts, and whole grains, along with an active lifestyle, could potentially increase the overall survival rates of patients diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Reduced Risk of Progression in Prostate Cancer
In another study published in the Jama Network Open, it was revealed that men with prostate cancer who strictly followed a plant-based diet experienced a 47% lower risk of cancer progression compared to those who did not prioritize plant-based foods in their diet. This finding highlights the potential benefits of plant-based diets in managing and limiting the progression of prostate cancer.
Support from World Cancer Research Fund International
Doctor Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at World Cancer Research Fund International, which provided support for the review, acknowledges the importance of the research in improving cancer survival rates. She emphasizes the necessity for more extensive and better-designed studies to establish comprehensive lifestyle recommendations for cancer survivors, particularly those diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages.
Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Bowel Cancer Survival
A separate research review analyzed data from numerous studies, involving over 30,000 individuals, to investigate the influence of diet on bowel cancer survival. While the evidence was considered limited, the review suggests that the consumption of a healthy diet, primarily based on plant-based foods and the avoidance of sugary drinks, may contribute to improved survival rates after a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Additionally, adopting a physically active lifestyle, including activities like cycling, gardening, housework, sports, or walking, may also be associated with increased survival rates for patients with bowel cancer.
Continuous Need for Comprehensive Research
More well-designed intervention and cohort studies are required to provide robust recommendations for the lifestyle modifications of colorectal cancer patients and healthcare professionals. The CUP Global research team at Imperial College London, which led the reviews on the effects of diet and lifestyle on bowel cancer, emphasizes the need for further research to strengthen existing evidence and provide solid foundations for cancer-related advice.
Plant-Based Diets: Promoting Overall Health and Disease Prevention
Plant-based diets have long been associated with a reduced risk of various diseases. The recent research on its potential to improve cancer survival rates aligns with previous findings that link plant-based diets to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and obesity. While it is crucial to interpret these results with caution and acknowledge the need for further investigations, adopting a healthy and balanced diet can certainly contribute to minimizing cancer risks and promoting overall well-being.
Source: Respectable News Website
