10/13/2025
A major study from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has found that patients with stage III colon cancer who adopt an anti-inflammatory diet after treatment live significantly longer than those who eat more inflammatory foods. Researchers analyzed over 1,600 patients and discovered that diets rich in leafy greens, coffee, and tea were linked to better survival, while those high in red meat, refined grains, and sugary drinks nearly doubled the risk of death.
The benefits grew even stronger when diet was combined with regular physical activity, such as brisk walking several times per week. Patients who maintained both a healthy diet and consistent exercise had a 63% lower risk of death compared to those with poor diet and minimal movement. This research underscores how lifestyle changes even after cancer treatment can profoundly impact longevity and recovery.
Sources/Credits: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Journal of Clinical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.