Kind of, but it’s more about your pattern of eating than specific foods.
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Cancer is the one area of nutrition where it’s easy to get tangled up with claims and counterclaims about which foods may cause it, prevent it, or make no difference at all. With more than 2 million people in the United States expected to receive a cancer diagnosis this year, we thought it would be a good idea to call in an expert to help tease it all apart.
Below, registered dietitian Kirsten Seele clears up what your diet really does, and doesn’t do, when it comes to cancer. |
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Let’s eat to live,
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Tim Snaith
June 9, 2026 • 3 min read |
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| Q: |
What role can your diet play in cancer prevention and management? |
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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 be due to cancer-promoting compounds, such as heterocyclic amines produced during high temperature cooking, and nitrates, 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.) |
RECIPE PICKCilantro Lime Shrimp Salad with Feta and WatermelonThis salad combines juicy watermelon, salty feta, crisp greens, and tender shrimp tossed in a simple citrus-herb dressing for a fresh, satisfying meal.GET THE RECIPE →
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| How To Eat Intuitively According to a Registered Dietitian |
| Val Goldberg shares the basics of mindful eating and how to embrace intuitive eating in your life! Learn to listen to your hunger cues and adopt healthy eating habits that support you. |
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| What we’re digesting |
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| Until next time, |
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Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon! |
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| This edition was powered by |
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