A new study suggests vegans have a higher risk of colorectal cancer - but meat-eaters aren't in the clear

"Overall, vegetarians had a lower risk of five kinds of cancer, including some of the most lethal cancers, like breast cancer and prostate cancer. Pescatarians also had a lower risk of colorectal, breast, and kidney cancer, compared to red meat eaters, and poultry-eaters who avoided red meat suffered fewer cases of prostate cancer."

"But there also appeared to be some cancer-fighting benefits to eating some meat, dairy, or fish. Researchers aren't sure why, but suspect it may be due to the micronutrients in animal products, such as calcium, B vitamins, and riboflavin, that vegetarians and vegans sometimes don't get enough of."

A study of 1.8 million people across the US, UK, India, and Taiwan examined cancer risk across five dietary patterns over 16 years. Vegetarians showed lower risk for five cancer types including breast and prostate cancer. Pescatarians had reduced risk for colorectal, breast, and kidney cancer compared to red meat eaters. Poultry eaters avoiding red meat experienced fewer prostate cancer cases. Some cancer-fighting benefits appeared associated with consuming meat, dairy, or fish, possibly due to micronutrients like calcium and B vitamins that vegetarians and vegans sometimes lack. The healthiest approach combines plant-based eating with selective inclusion of animal products.

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