Going vegan or veggie could slash risk of four top cancer killers by up to 25 per cent, experts discover
A major study of nearly 80,000 people found vegans were 25 per cent less likely to develop cancer than meat eaters—with the diet linked to lower rates of breast cancer and prostate cancer in younger men.
Researchers followed members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America for eight years and found vegetarians also cut their cancer risk by 12 per cent.
Among this group, rates of colorectal cancer fell by 21 per cent, stomach cancer by 45 per cent and lymphoma by 25 per cent.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians—who eat dairy and eggs—had a lower risk of blood cancers, while pescatarians were less likely to get colorectal cancer.
The study also revealed that, compared with meat eaters, vegetarians tended to be leaner, drank less alcohol, smoked less and exercised slightly more.
They were also less likely to have used oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
While researchers adjusted for these factors, they said it was impossible to rule out that lifestyle differences such as these may have influenced cancer risk.
The findings, from scientists at Loma Linda University in California, were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
It comes amid growing concern over a baffling rise in cancers among young people.
A recent global review found rates of colorectal cancer—also known as bowel cancer —in under-50s are climbing in 27 out of 50 countries.
England has one of the steepest increases, with cases in younger adults rising by an average of 3.6 per cent a year, while in the US, the rate is going up by around two per cent annually.
While bowel cancer is linked to obesity, doctors warn it is also striking fit and healthy patients.
Some believe environmental factors—such as exposure to plastics or pollution—could be to blame.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, and a lump in the abdomen.
Bleeding from the back passage or blood in the stool can occur when tumours bleed into the digestive tract.
However, bowel cancer can also appear with no symptoms until it has spread, making it far harder to treat. Just over half of patients survive 10 years after diagnosis.
Other cancers are also on the rise in younger age groups. Rates of metastatic breast cancer—which has spread to other parts of the body—in women under 40 increased by 3.5 per cent a year between 2004 and 2017, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, is now the most common cancer in young people.
A landmark study by Cancer Research UK examining 50 years of NHS data found the risk of developing all cancers has risen sharply, with experts believing a mix of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors may be driving the trend.
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The Sun
13 minutes ago
- The Sun
I lost 6st on Mounjaro but hate my body more – I feel disgusting & seeing myself naked is worse than when I was bigger
FOR many people, weight loss jabs like Mounjaro provide the chance to shift some weight and feel more confident. However, for one woman, Lucy Davies, from Pontypridd, South Wales, the jab has left her hating her body more than ever, despite losing six stone. 7 7 7 The 32-year-old insurance consultant said she now feels 'disgusting' after going from a size 22 to a size 12, due to having loose skin around her tummy. Speaking to Fabulous, she shared how she started using Mounjaro in September 2024 after trying 'many diets' over the years. The jab is similar to Ozempic, but packs an even bigger punch when it comes to appetite control. Lucy said: 'Mentally I couldn't diet as I was an emotional eater and dependent on food to make myself feel better. 'It was definitely stress and life events that started the emotional eating and I would use food as a tool to make me feel better.' She signed up to get the weight loss jab from Med Express, an online pharmacy, and quickly started seeing results - and felt 'motivated' and 'more confident' in clothes. Since starting the jabs, she has gone from 16 stone 11lbs to 10 stone 6lbs, but despite this, a recent family day out at Legoland left her feeling terrible about her self-image. She explained: 'I wore high waisted denim shorts, a vest top, and a shirt. 'It was so hot so I had to take the shirt off, so I just had the shorts and the vest top on. 'And I've never felt so disgusting in all my life. 'So I've got a gun, and if anyone who doesn't know what that is, in Wales, we call the baby belly pouch that hangs down, we call it a gun. 'And I got that still, even though I've lost six stone. 'It's a lot of excess skin around my stomach as well, because my stomach was massive. 'But what was I thinking wearing high waisted shorts? I don't know— never again. 'Because I've never felt so uncomfortable in all my life. "I felt more comfortable six stone heavier than what I did yesterday.' 7 7 She admitted that her critical thoughts 'ruined the day' and made her realise that she has a 'long way to go'. Lucy explained: 'I've lost a lot of weight, but I'm not happy. 'I've got a lot of excess skin and I've done loads of walking throughout— still doing a lot of walking— but it's time to do weights now. I hate my loose skin around my stomach and I'm feeling really down about that. I'm more self conscious now than when I was bigger Lucy Davies 'I hate my loose skin around my stomach and I'm feeling really down about that. I'm more self conscious now than when I was bigger. 'I would consider surgery in the future but it's not on the cards at the moment.' Although she enjoys that she can 'buy clothes more easily now', she said she is more self conscious now than when she was bigger. In a bid to make her feel better about her body, she plans to get into the gym to tone up and will keep calorie counting. 7 7 Lucy added: 'As much as I hate the gym, I think it's time to actually get in the gym because I really felt like crap all day yesterday, and I don't wanna continue feeling like that. 'So yeah, this Monjaro journey's been amazing, I don't regret anything, but it's come to a point now where I'm more unhappy with how I look naked than I was when I was bigger. 'Because nothing's toned, and around my stomach is a lot of excess skin.' She also offered a word of advice for people thinking of taking Mounjaro, saying: 'I would definitely say to people it's not a quick fix, especially mentally. 'It's about changing your life.' What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.
Daily Mail
13 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Harvard doctor reveals trendy drink that may kill cancer cells instantly
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more It was a humble drink from Japan revered for centuries in traditional tea ceremonies. But matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea processed from shade-grown tea leaves, has surged in popularity recently, with millions of health-savvy consumers and influencers alike praising it for its unique flavor profile and perceived health benefits. And now adding to its allure, a Harvard doctor claims it could help stave off cancer. Dr Sauarbh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist now based out of San Francisco, says it is a drink that can lower your risk of the disease as it is a powerful source of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage. The 42-year-old physician said the beverage is rich in catechins, a flavonoid that has antioxidant properties promoting heart health, cognitive function and anti-cancer benefits. Previous studies have suggested that catechins found in green tea may inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer. Green tea and matcha are both from the same plant, but differ in how they are prepared and their flavor. One study out of the University of Salford in the UK found matcha 'is indeed sufficient to inhibit the propagation of breast cancer stem cells'. The researchers also found it 'may help to overcome cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy' and make the treatment more effective. Matcha has already been linked to a multitude of health benefits including boosting mental performance, aiding weight loss and improving heart health. In 2023, a longevity expert at Harvard University even credited it with helping him de-age an entire decade. In a 2023 study, researchers from Japan found there was evidence matcha helped to boost mental performance and reduce symptoms of depression. The Researchers in Japan gave the tea to stress-susceptible mice that had been kept in social isolation for a week. They found that those who drank the tea showed fewer signs of depression compared to rodents that received the water placebo. Experts suggested this may be because the tea was prompting the release of dopamine, the body's feel-good hormone, helping to boost the rodent's mood. Dr Yuki Kurauchi, a biochemist who led the research, said: 'These results suggest that Matcha tea powder exerts an antidepressant-like effect by activating the dopaminergic system of the brain, and this is influenced by the mental state of the individual.' It another study, conducted by the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore in 2014, a chemical present both in green tea and matcha was found to be an ideal carrier of proteins that help combat cancer. Craft matcha $32 The market for matcha has grown as more people flock to health food stores to stock up on the green liquid gold Shop Match powder $52 Shop Both drinks are made up of a class of chemicals called catechins, the most abundant of which is EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate). It is believed EGCG is responsible for their health benefits and could have anti-cancer effects. Dr Joo Eun Chung and her colleagues found the anticancer protein Herceptin can be combined with EGCG to be more effective at targeting tumor sites. The researchers injected the combination of EGCG and Herceptin into mice and found it was better at targeting tumours and reducing growth, as well as lasting longer in the blood. Despite the purported health benefits, some experts are more cautious about the claims around matcha. Suneel Kamath, who is a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, told he would like to see published data backing up the claims made by Dr Sethi. He said: 'Unless those data are available, these are just hypotheses that are worth studying potentially, but not enough proof for me to recommend people start consuming these things.' A previous review of 50 studies on green tea and its role in preventing cancer published by the Cochrane database couldn't reach a conclusion. The authors said there was so much conflicting evidence and poor quality research. The researchers from the University of Salford who said that matcha could possibly stave of cancer also concluded: 'Surely, more molecular studies and clinical trials are warranted.' The market for matcha has grown as more people flock to health food stores to stock up on the green powerhouse. By some estimates, in the US, matcha sales have reached more than $10billion over the past 25 years. Globally, the matcha market is estimated to be valued at $4.3billion, and the ever-increasing demand is putting a strain on the world's supply. If switching from coffee to matcha, you can enjoy all its benefits without giving up your need for caffeine. According to Harvard Health, in one 8oz cup, matcha contains 38mg to 89mg of caffeine, compared to 100 to 120mg in coffee. While the content may be lower, that energy boost is more stable and longer-lasting than coffee.
The Guardian
13 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Trump cuts to science research threaten his administration's own AI action plan
The Trump administration released 'America's AI Action Plan' last month with the goal of expanding US dominance when it comes to AI in order to maintain a global edge, especially over China. But Donald Trump's cuts to scientific research funding through federal agencies – including the National Intitute Health, the National Science Foundation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Nasa – will undermine that goal and threaten the research environment that fostered the foundations of AI, experts in the field said. Mark Histed, chief of neural computation and behavior at NIH, said that while the effects of funding cuts on AI might not be obvious in the next year or two, they threaten 'the whole ecosystem that we have built around AI, that has been created by federal support'. 'What I see is an ecosystem, right? I see multiple different disciplines contributing different aspects to this process. I see academia playing a key role and industry playing a key role. And so as we look forward and we think about trying to advance AI, we need to be supporting that entire ecosystem,' Rebecca Willett, a computer science professor at the University of Chicago and faculty director of AI at the Data Science Institute, explained, echoing Histed. Histed and Willett both believe that AI simply would not exist in its current form without federally funded research, and offered a variety of AI technologies and companies that owe their development to federal funding. For example, self-driving cars rely on computer vision technology – federal funding has supported its development since the 1980s. Computer vision is the foundation for the vast majority of face and image recognition technologies. AlphaFold, which uses AI to help discover new medications, and Anthropic, which improves AI safety, including for the US Department of Defense, also exists thanks to federal support. AI research often takes cues from other realms of science, which in turn can help foster AI, so cuts to other disciplines will affect the intelligence's development. Histed points to the overlap between his field of neuroscience and AI. 'We're just at the beginning of understanding how networks of connected neurons create functions like memory and cognition. And if you look at a machine learning network or an AI network, that is also the case,' he said. Histed pointed out that federally funded research that brings these disciplines together has led to Nobel prize-winning work. Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield won the 2024 Nobel prize in physics for their work at the intersection of neuroscience and AI, and received support from the NSF. Trump's plan could also pose a threat to AI safety, which is essential to ensuring that AI is not only effective but that it operates within the boundaries of the law. The plan includes provisions to revise guidelines at the National Institute of Standards and Technology 'to eliminate references to misinformation, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and climate change'. These are three of the most controversial aspects of AI, which has been demonstrated to show gender and racial bias in a variety of applications, including face recognition technology and popular applications like ChatGPT. A recent study found that ChatGPT advises women to ask for less money than men when prompted for advice about salary expectations. Histed says that the field of AI safety is also closely linked with neuroscience, because understanding how human neural networks create bias can also help us understand how AI networks create bias. Sign up to This Week in Trumpland A deep dive into the policies, controversies and oddities surrounding the Trump administration after newsletter promotion Trump's plan also calls for less red tape when it comes to building AI datacentres that can suck up huge amounts of energy. Willett said it was true that large-scale machine learning systems 'come at an enormous cost. It's a huge amount of energy, a huge amount of cooling.' But, she added, AI companies themselves should still want to reduce those costs regardless of what Trump's plan says. 'Not only do they have environmental impacts, but it's expensive for the companies that are running these systems. And so I think across the AI community, people are invested in trying to make these systems more efficient,' Willett said. Willett and Histed both say that the AI community will be under threat in the coming years if the federal government no longer funds their training at universities. Histed noted that the federally funded 'talent pipeline' is 'incredibly important', adding 'we train lots and lots and lots of people in neuroscience and related fields that are going directly to these tech companies. There's tons of overlap. All the people who are leading the technical side of the AI revolution have had contact with the academic world that trained them and is supported by US federal funding. 'One of the big ways in which tech companies benefit from universities is that we train students, right?' Willett said. 'And so they walk into these companies with cutting-edge skills that these companies need. And so right off the bat, I think universities are playing an essential role that's important to industry.'
