Which Anti-Cancer Diet Is Right For Me? 

There are many diets that have been proposed for reducing the risk or progression of cancer. These include alkaline diets, ketogenic, vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean, intermittent fasting, sugar-free, Gershwin and more.

How do you know which one is right for you?

This is very individual and depends on several factors, including:

Cancer type, stage and spread

Some diets are more suitable for specific cancers, such as the ketogenic diet which has demonstrated to be clinically effective for brain tumours (Weber et al., 2020). In mouse models, this dietary intervention was successful in sensitizing even resistant tumours to immunotherapy (Stefan et al., 2025). In contrast, a recent meta-analysis by Morze et al. (2021) concluded that the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of cancer mortality in individuals with colorectal, head and neck, respiratory, gastric, liver and bladder cancer.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund (2025), high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, as well as low intake of red and processed meat can help to lower cancer risk.

Current treatment – radiation, chemotherapy

The aim is to optimise your nutritional intake to manage the side effects of these treatments. You also need to maintain good gut, immune and cellular health. Eating the right foods can support treatment efficacy and tolerability.

Individual genetic makeup

For example some individuals need more folate or essential fatty acids, methylation and detoxification support.

Personal medical history

This includes any other diagnosed conditions that can affect which foods you can eat.

Current health status

Including physical and mental health. This can also have an impact on your level of appetite and ability to digest foods well.

Being under- or overweight

Your level of physical activity will determine your metabolic health and how much and what type of foods are best for you.

Allergies and intolerances

These can influence inflammation, digestion and immunity.

Support

Support from friends and family and socio-economic factors also influences what food and drinks you consume.

What should an anti-cancer diet include?

Any anti-cancer diet should incorporate the following basic guidelines:

• Antioxidant-rich (colourful) inclusion of plant-based foods (especially vegetables). Many of these foods have essential vitamins, minerals and anti-cancer compounds.
• 1-2 serves fresh fruit daily. Also rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-cancer compounds.
• Whole foods. For example, nuts and seeds are important sources of fibre, vitamin E, magnesium and the antioxidant mineral selenium.
• Low meat and dairy. Low alcohol intake. These can be pro-inflammatory and excess alcohol damages the gut and liver and promotes cancer. In contrast, small, wildcaught fish provide a healthy source of protein and essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory.
• Probiotic/prebiotic rich food and drinks, such as fermented vegetables, kombucha, kefir. These support a healthy digestive system and immunity.

What should your diet not include?

• No added salt or sugar
• No processed meats
• No known carcinogens
• No endocrine (hormone)-disrupting chemicals
• No refined carbohydrates
• No overeating
• No added chemicals/flavours

Article Written by Dr Amanda Reimann