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.