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| According to the National Cancer Institute, over 2 million people in the United States will receive a cancer diagnosis this year. Prostate, lung, colorectal, and breast cancers will account for almost 50% of the combined cases among males and females, respectively. But you’re not powerless when it comes to cancer prevention. |
| Below, registered dietitian Kirsten Seele, explains how diet can affect your risk of cancer. |
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Hugs,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Ginger Wojcik
October 21, 2025 • 2.5 min read |
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| Q: |
What role can your diet play in reducing your risk of cancer? |
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| A: |
While no one food can cause or cure cancer, your diet does affect your overall risk.
Your body needs adequate nutrients to produce and maintain healthy cells and keep the immune system strong. So one of the best ways to reduce your risk of cancer is to follow a nutrient-rich eating pattern that includes:
- fruits and veggies (variety is key)
- whole grains
- high fiber foods like legumes
- nuts and seeds
- plant-based proteins, fish, or poultry
We also can’t forget about antioxidants. These molecules fight off free radicals, which have been linked to cancer. Foods high in antioxidants include:
- berries
- leafy greens
- green tea
- dark chocolate
- turmeric
Fun fact: Vitamins C and E are both antioxidants!
Observational studies have also found links between certain types of cancer and diets high in certain foods. For example:
- Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to at least six types of cancer.
- Eating red meat and processed meats, like deli meat, bacon, and hot dogs, may increase the risk of cancer. This could potentially be due to carcinogens (cancer-promoting compounds) like heterocyclic amines and nitrates that are found in processed meats.
- Milk and milk products may increase the risk of prostate cancer (however, these foods may decrease the risk of bowel and breast cancer).
Lastly, let this serve as a reminder to check with your doctor about your risk factors and yearly cancer screenings!
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| Kirsten Seele, Registered Dietitian
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| Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)
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| What we’re digesting |
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