The Role of Plant-Based Diets for Cancer Survivors and Planetary Health

A growing body of evidence has emerged on the role of diet for health outcomes in cancer survivors. Patients transitioning to post-treatment care may seek guidance on dietary changes, and summaries of the evidence for dietary patterns recommended by guidelines can support providers in effectively answering questions. Increasing evidence suggests that food choices impact planetary health. Plant-based diets are one eating pattern that may improve patient outcomes and planetary health.

We performed a literature review and used narrative reporting to summarize evidence for plant-based diets and offer specific guidance for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients who are post-diagnosis. Specifically, we reviewed impacts on recurrence, all-cause, and cancer-specific mortality.

Increased fibre intake by consuming foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality, as well as reduced colon cancer-specific mortality. Replacing refined grains with whole grains is associated with improved disease-free survival for colon cancer survivors. Higher tree nut consumption is associated with improved disease-free survival for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivors. Soy is safe to consume for breast cancer survivors and is associated with a reduced risk of recurrence. Conversely, more Western dietary patterns high in processed meat intake are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer recurrence and prostate cancer mortality. There are also environmental benefits of a shift towards plant-based diets to address the adverse health outcomes associated with climate change and its potential impact on cancer care delivery as previously outlined in a 2024 ASCO policy statement.

Based on the best existing evidence, providers can suggest that patients consider plant-based dietary patterns in the post-treatment phase of their cancer care to support health outcomes and planetary health.