A vegetarian diet, also referred to as vegetarianism, consists of eating a healthy plant-based diet that includes grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. The American Cancer Society acknowledges the benefits of a vegetarian diet, although cancer patients may have special dietary needs for increased calories or protein that would need to be met. As always, it is imperative to meet with an oncology team's nutritionist familiar with each case to determine the best way to eliminate animal products and by-products from the diet.
Vegan
Strict vegans consume a plant-based diet that does not allow any meat, fish, poultry or by-products of animals. This diet has a lifestyle factor included that often involves ecological, political or religious views as a means to uphold personal beliefs, religious doctrines or defend the rights of animals. The Vegetarian Resource Group adds that vegans do not consume foods prepared with animal products at the same time and refuse to wear furs, leather, silk, wool or cosmetics and soaps that contain their by-products or are in any way tested on them. Vegans have a lower risk for cancer as well as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes.
Vegetarianism
A vegetarian diet includes only plant-based foods, yet, depending on the type may have certain allowances. The Vegetarian Society reports that cancers of the colon, breast and prostate are diet dependent for certain, while others may also be. Continuing research has indicated that vegetarians do not get cancer as often as their meat-eating cohorts and have a nearly 50 percent lower mortality rate from cancer-related illness.
Lacto-Octo-Vegetarian
A lacto-octo-vegetarian is primarily a plant-based dieter, with the addition of dairy and egg products. This lifestyle is less politically driven, and more about good health choices. The American Cancer Society posits that strict vegans and vegetarians can run the risk of developing deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and iron, a diet that includes dairy and eggs would certainly avoid this problem. However, lacto-octo-vegetarians may have higher cholesterol and more animal fat intake depending on whether or not they select fat-free options that could lead to diet related cancers attributed to meat.
Pollo Vegetarians
Pollo vegetarians allow poultry products into their diets from chicken, turkey and duck. While they still primarily eat from a plant-based diet, their stance on eating from poultry products have more to do with a healthy lifestyle than ecological, political or ecological views as traditional vegans do. According to the National Cancer Institute, this diet still holds an array of available antioxidants plus additional vitamin C provided by the poultry products for good health and cancer prevention.
Pesco Vegetarians
Pesco vegetarians allow fish into their mostly plant-based diet. Again, these vegetarians allow fish for health benefits and follow a more Mediterranean diet than one based on ecological, political or religious views. The National Cancer Institute promotes this type of diet as being rich in nutrient-dense antioxidants, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C. Generally, this diet obtains the necessary fats for brain function from fatty fish but still abides by the primarily plant-based concept.
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