“Research tells us that making healthy food choices consistently over time can reduce your risk of getting cancer, but you can’t say with absolute certainty that food can prevent cancer,” says wellness dietitian Lindsey Wohlford. “There are no guarantees.”

Eating certain foods may help lower cancer risks:

Cruciferous Vegetables – Vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower help lower risks of breast, esophageal, oral, and kidney cancers.

Turmeric – Turmeric contains curcumin and antioxidants that may reduce inflammation, slow cancer cell growth, protect cells, and ease arthritis.

Mushrooms – Studies suggest mushrooms may help prevent breast cancer. Medicinal varieties like reishi, shiitake, maitake, and turkey tail can boost antitumor immunity, with turkey tail’s PK polysaccharide aiding cancer therapy.

Allium Vegetables – Onion and garlic have “promising biological activities that are indicative of their potential as potent antioxidant and anticancer agents.”

Other Helpful Foods – Wakame provides iodine, lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes and watermelon may reduce risks of cancer and heart disease, and beta-carotene-rich foods such as carrots and sweet potatoes may have potential benefits, though more research is needed.

While no food can fully prevent cancer, including these items in a balanced diet may support overall health and reduce risk over time.