What You Eat Matters—But Maybe Not the Way You Think: New Study Looks at Protein and Cancer Risk
When facing cancer or caring for someone who is, food often becomes more than just fuel. It’s a source of strength, comfort, and hope. So when you hear that eating too much protein—especially from meat—might increase your risk of cancer or early death, it can feel confusing or even worrying.
But here’s some encouraging news from a recent scientific study: eating protein, whether it comes from animals or plants, may not be harmful at all. In fact, the researchers found that eating more protein from animal sources might slightly lower the risk of dying from cancer.
Let’s break it down.
What Was the Study About?
This study looked at the diets of over 15,000 adults in the U.S. and followed their health for up to 18 years. The researchers wanted to find out:
Does eating animal or plant protein increase the risk of dying from any cause, cancer, or heart disease?
Is a hormone called IGF-1 (which is linked to growth and sometimes cancer) connected to higher mortality risk?
What Did They Find?
No harmful link with protein: Eating more protein from either plants or animals did not increase the chances of dying from any cause, heart disease, or cancer.
A possible benefit: People who ate more animal protein—such as meat, dairy, and eggs—actually had a slightly lower risk of dying from cancer.
IGF-1 levels weren’t a concern: The amount of IGF-1 in the blood didn’t seem to affect the risk of death from cancer, heart disease, or any other cause.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you or someone you love is going through cancer treatment or recovery, this research offers some peace of mind: you don’t need to be afraid of protein in your diet.
Protein helps your body stay strong, heal, and fight illness.
It’s okay to get protein from a mix of sources—chicken, fish, dairy, eggs, beans, nuts, and tofu.
You don’t need to avoid meat to stay healthy, as long as your overall diet is balanced and nutritious.
How This Study Compares to Others
Some earlier studies suggested that eating a lot of animal protein could be harmful, especially for people in their 50s and 60s. But this new study used stronger methods and followed people for a longer time. When the researchers re-examined those earlier ideas, they found no evidence that protein caused harm—and even found some possible benefits.
Final Thoughts for Caregivers and Patients
Nutrition is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not be right for another. But this study adds to the evidence that protein—whether from plants or animals—is not something to fear.
If you're unsure about what to eat, especially during cancer treatment, talk with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider. But for most people, getting enough protein is a key part of staying strong and supporting recovery.
Reference
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
