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Vegan and vegetarian diets: what is the difference?
A vegetarian diet usually excludes meat and fish, but may include dairy products and eggs. A vegan diet is more restrictive and excludes all animal products, including milk, cheese, yoghurt, eggs and honey.
Both diets are typically rich in plant foods such as vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, wholegrains, nuts and seeds. This means they often share many of the same nutritional benefits.
What does the evidence say about cancer risk?
Research suggests that plant-based diets may help lower the risk of some cancers, especially when they are high in fibre and low in processed meat and alcohol. However, the evidence does not clearly show that vegan diets are always better than vegetarian diets for cancer prevention.
The main benefit may come from eating more plant foods and fewer foods linked to higher cancer risk, rather than from avoiding all animal products. In many studies, vegans and vegetarians have similar cancer risk patterns overall.
Why might plant-based diets help?
Dietary fibre can support healthy digestion and may reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Fruit and vegetables also provide vitamins, minerals and protective plant compounds.
Vegetarian and vegan diets often contain less saturated fat and fewer processed meats than typical diets. Processed meat is associated with a higher risk of bowel cancer, so avoiding it can be beneficial.
Are there any risks with a vegan diet?
A vegan diet can be very healthy, but it needs careful planning. Without good food choices, it may be low in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, iodine and omega-3 fats.
These nutrients do not directly cause cancer, but they are important for overall health. Fortified foods and supplements, especially vitamin B12, are often needed on a vegan diet.
What matters most for cancer prevention?
No single diet can prevent cancer on its own. A healthy weight, regular physical activity, not smoking, limiting alcohol and eating a varied diet are all important.
For most people, both vegan and vegetarian diets can fit into a cancer-conscious lifestyle if they are well planned. The key is to eat plenty of whole plant foods and limit processed foods, sugary drinks and alcohol.
Bottom line
There is no strong evidence that vegan diets reduce cancer risk more than vegetarian diets. Both can be healthy choices and may help lower risk when based on whole plant foods.
If you are changing your diet for health reasons, it can help to speak with a GP or registered dietitian. This is especially important if you are planning a strict vegan diet or have a medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk is generally considered in the context of lower intake of processed meat and higher intake of plant foods, which may support cancer prevention. However, diet is only one factor, and overall risk also depends on body weight, physical activity, alcohol, smoking, genetics, and screening.
Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk may be lower for colorectal cancer compared with diets high in red and processed meats, largely because plant-based diets often increase fiber and reduce carcinogenic meat-related exposures. The benefit depends on the quality of the plant-based diet, not just whether it is vegan or vegetarian.
Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk may differ slightly because vegans avoid all animal products, while vegetarians may include dairy and eggs. But the bigger factor is the overall food pattern, such as how much whole plant food, fiber, and ultra-processed food each diet contains.
Yes, vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk is likely more favorable when the diet is built around whole grains, beans, lentils, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds. A highly processed vegan or vegetarian diet may not provide the same potential benefit.
For vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk and overall health, key nutrients include protein, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, vitamin D, and omega-3 fats. Meeting nutrient needs helps maintain healthy tissues and may support better long-term health during cancer prevention efforts.
Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk is most often discussed for colorectal cancer, but potential associations may also involve breast, prostate, and stomach cancers. Evidence varies by cancer type, and no diet can eliminate risk completely.
Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk may be lower when fiber intake is high because fiber supports gut health, regular bowel movements, and a healthier intestinal environment. This may help reduce exposure of the colon to harmful substances.
Yes, vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk likely depends a lot on food quality. A diet rich in vegetables, beans, and whole grains may be more protective than one dominated by refined grains, sugary foods, and ultra-processed meat substitutes.
Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk is influenced strongly by other lifestyle factors such as weight, exercise, alcohol use, tobacco exposure, sleep, and stress. A plant-based diet may be helpful, but it works best as part of a broader healthy lifestyle.
Often yes, because vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk may be lower when red and processed meats are replaced with legumes, whole grains, nuts, and vegetables. High intake of processed meat is associated with increased colorectal cancer risk.
Yes, vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk may not improve if the diet is poorly planned and leads to nutrient deficiencies or excessive intake of sugary and highly processed foods. Good planning is important for both cancer prevention and general health.
Research on vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk and breast cancer suggests possible benefits from healthy body weight and higher intake of plant foods, but findings are not definitive. The overall dietary pattern and lifestyle are likely more important than the label alone.
Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk and prostate cancer have been studied, but evidence is mixed. A plant-rich diet may support healthier body weight and lower inflammation, which could be favorable, but it is not proven to prevent prostate cancer on its own.
Possibly. Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk may differ because vegetarian diets can include dairy, and dairy intake has been studied in relation to certain cancers with mixed results. The overall dietary pattern matters more than any single food group.
To improve vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk, focus on beans, lentils, tofu, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, while limiting alcohol, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods. Aim for variety and adequate nutrient intake.
Yes, vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk may matter more for people with a family history because they may want to optimize modifiable risk factors. Still, genetics cannot be changed, so diet should be part of a broader prevention plan with medical guidance.
Yes, vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk can be influenced by body weight because excess body fat is linked to several cancers. Plant-based diets may help with weight management when they emphasize whole foods and appropriate portions.
Vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk can be relevant for cancer survivors who want a healthy eating pattern after treatment. A well-planned plant-based diet may support recovery and general health, but survivors should follow personalized advice from their oncology team.
The main limitations of studies on vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk include differences in diet quality, lifestyle factors, self-reported food intake, and the fact that many studies are observational. These issues make it hard to prove cause and effect.
The bottom line on vegan vs vegetarian diets cancer risk is that well-planned plant-based diets may help lower risk for some cancers, especially when they replace processed meat and include plenty of whole plant foods. No diet guarantees protection, so overall lifestyle and regular screening remain important.
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