Association between EAT-Lancet diet adherence and cancer incidence/mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Association between EAT-Lancet diet adherence and cancer incidence/mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Xinhe Li

  • Jingqi Chen

  • Zhanqi Sun

  • Minyuan Ni

  • Minmin Fu

  • Yunshi Tang

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Link Between Compliance with the EAT-Lancet Diet and Cancer Rates

Overview

This meta-analysis examines the relationship between adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and cancer incidence and mortality. Findings indicate that higher adherence scores are associated with lower overall cancer rates, particularly for lung cancer.

Background

Cancer remains a significant public health challenge, with millions of new cases and deaths reported annually. Diet is a modifiable risk factor that can influence cancer outcomes, contributing to 20-25% of the global cancer burden. The EAT-Lancet diet, which promotes sustainable eating patterns, has been linked to various health benefits, including potential reductions in cancer risk.

Data Highlights

OutcomeHazard Ratio (HR)95% Confidence Interval (CI)P-value
Overall Cancer Incidence0.900.84-0.95<0.001
Overall Cancer Mortality0.920.90-0.95<0.001
Lung Cancer Incidence0.930.90-0.95<0.001
Lung Cancer Mortality0.940.90-0.97<0.001

Key Findings

  • Higher adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet is associated with lower overall cancer incidence (HR = 0.90).
  • Increased adherence correlates with reduced overall cancer mortality (HR = 0.92).
  • The strongest associations were found for lung cancer incidence (HR = 0.93) and mortality (HR = 0.94).
  • No significant associations were noted for breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer incidence.
  • Results highlight the importance of dietary patterns in cancer prevention strategies.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider dietary recommendations as part of cancer prevention strategies. Promoting adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet may contribute to lower cancer incidence and mortality, particularly for lung cancer. Further research is needed to clarify the impact on other cancer types.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet may play a significant role in reducing cancer risk, especially for lung cancer. These results underscore the importance of dietary interventions in public health strategies aimed at cancer prevention.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers | Association between EAT-Lancet diet adherence and cancer incidence/mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2026 -- Link
  2. How Diet and Physical Activity Impact Cancer Risk | American Cancer Society -- Link
  3. The ASCO Post — Early Research Evaluates Association Between Diet and Lung Cancer Risk, 2025 -- Link
  4. The ASCO Post — Building and Sharing Dietary Evidence in Cancer Care, 2025 -- Link
  5. The New Gastroenterologist — Poor Dietary Habits Linked to Global Increase in Gastrointestinal Cancer Incidence, 2025 -- Link
  6. The ASCO Post — Building and Sharing Dietary Evidence in Cancer Care Guest Editor
  7. How Diet and Physical Activity Impact Cancer Risk | American Cancer Society
  8. Frontiers | Association between EAT-Lancet diet adherence and cancer incidence/mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  9. Risk assessment of digestive cancers with the modified EAT-Lancet diet pattern: a prospective cohort study based on UK Biobank | BMC Gastroenterology | Springer Nature Link

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