Recently,
the topic of "#cancer deaths may surge by nearly 75%" has made it to
the trending list, quickly attracting the attention of the entire internet.
In September 2025, data from a study published in The Lancet showed that there were approximately 18.5 million new cases of cancer globally in 2023, with approximately 10.4 million deaths; it is estimated that by 2050, the number of new cases will surge to 30.5 million, and the number of deaths will climb to 18.6 million, representing increases of 60.7% and 74.5%, respectively.
The top three cancers in terms of incidence rate are breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
The top three cancers in terms of mortality are lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer.
Image source: People's Daily Health Client
This is not the first study to issue such a warning.
According to data research published during 2024, it is estimated that the number of new cancer cases and deaths globally will increase significantly by 2050. Furthermore, a report released by the World Health Organization in 2024 pointed out that the number of new cancer cases globally is expected to exceed 35 million by 2050. Compared to 2022, the number of new cancer cases globally may surge by 77%, and cancer deaths will soar by 90%.
Don't panic! Nearly half of cancer deaths can be "reversed"
Studies have indicated that approximately 41.7% of global cancer deaths in 2023 can be attributed to modifiable risk factors. Through active intervention, we are fully capable of turning the tide and significantly reducing cancer risk. The main risk factors commonly associated with cancer in people under 50 years old are:
High red meat and high salt diet
Insufficient intake of fruits and milk
Smoking and drinking
lack of exercise
Obesity and hyperglycemia
These 10 foods come with "anti-cancer properties"
① Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cabbage) contain glucosinolates, the breakdown products of which, isothiocyanates, have certain anti-cancer effects. Eating more broccoli can reduce the overall cancer risk by up to 36%. In addition, broccoli is also beneficial for certain specific types of cancer, such as lung cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, reproductive system cancer, and breast cancer.
② Whole grains
Whole grains (such as oats and brown rice) are rich in dietary fiber, which can help maintain intestinal health and reduce the risk of intestinal cancer. They also contain B vitamins and minerals, which aid in maintaining physiological functions and fighting cancer.
③ Bean products
Bean products are made from processed soybeans, with unchanged protein content and easy digestion. Eating more can reduce the risk of cancer.
Increasing soybean product intake by 150 grams per day is associated with a 35% reduction in cancer risk, increasing tofu intake by 100 grams per day is associated with a 32% reduction in cancer risk, and increasing soybean milk intake by 30 grams per day is associated with a 46% reduction in cancer risk.
④ Carrot
In 2023, a study involving 4.7 million participants found that eating carrots can reduce the risk of cancer: eating 400 grams per week reduces the risk by 20%, and even eating 60 grams per week reduces it by 4%.
⑤ Mushroom
A 2021 study showed that eating mushrooms can reduce cancer risk, with regular consumption of 18 grams reducing the risk by 45% compared to never eating them, and frequent consumption can also significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.
⑥ Fish
Deep-sea fish such as salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce the risk of cancer.
⑦ Onion
A study involving 60,000 people, published in the European Journal of Epidemiology in 2024, found that eating 5-6 grams of onions per day reduced the risk of liver cancer by 33%.
⑧ Nuts
Nuts are beneficial to patients with colorectal cancer. For patients in stage III, eating nuts at least twice a week, with 28 grams per serving, can improve disease-free survival rate by 42% and overall survival rate by 57% over a 6.5-year follow-up period. Women who regularly consume tree nuts (such as Brazil nuts) have a lower risk of pancreatic cancer.
⑨ Citrus
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which can enhance immunity and help reduce the risk of cancer.
⑩ Drink tea
Tea contains tea polyphenols, catechins, etc. Drinking tea in moderation can reduce the risk of cancer, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular diseases. However, be careful not to drink large amounts of strong tea.
How to eat a cancer-preventive diet
1. Eat a balanced and diversified diet
In addition to increasing whole grain intake, it is important to ensure that your diet includes a large amount of vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help protect against cancer. Consume moderate amounts of high-quality protein. Prioritize chicken, fish, beans, nuts, and low-fat dairy products.
2. Limit the intake of certain foods
Reduce intake of processed meat and red meat
Processed meat (such as sausages and hams) is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and should be avoided as much as possible; red meat (such as beef and pork) is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen, and its weekly intake should not exceed 500 grams.
Eat less high-sugar, high-fat, and fried foods, as these foods may raise blood sugar levels, produce substances such as acrylamide, and increase the risk of cancer.
Limit the intake of high-sugar, high-fat, and fried foods
High-sugar foods can elevate blood sugar and insulin levels, and insulin resistance may promote the growth of tumor cells; fried foods contain a large amount of potential carcinogens such as acrylamide.
3. Control food intake
Avoid overeating, maintain a healthy weight through reasonable calorie control and moderate exercise, and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and tumor growth caused by obesity.
Expert reminder
A cancer-preventive diet is not about seeking out a single "superfood". Instead, it involves incorporating various healthy eating habits into daily life and paying attention to dietary balance.
Source | People's Daily Health Client