Does the DASH diet reduce the risk of cancer?

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    Last Updated: April 23, 2025

    The DASH diet, with its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low saturated fats, may reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer, as supported by multiple observational studies. Although there is some evidence that suggests a decreased risk for other cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, and endometrial cancer, further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms and the extent of these effects.

    Given the DASH diet’s recommendations regarding fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and saturated fats, it seems logical that it might affect the risk of developing various types of cancer. Multiple observational studies have shown a decreased risk of developing colon cancer as a result of the DASH diet.[1][2][3][4][5] While there is less evidence available for other types of cancer, there may be a decreased risk of developing breast cancer,[6][7][8] prostate cancer,[9][10] lung cancer,[11] and endometrial cancer.[2]

    The term cancer incorporates multiple different conditions and does not describe one disease process. While the DASH diet may decrease the risk of developing several different types of cancer, further research is needed to find out the mechanisms and the extent to which it affects the risk for each type.