This occurs even in cancers unrelated to tobacco and alcohol both of which are known carcinogens. A likely factor is that many Seventh-day Adventists are vegetarians. This diet contains less animal fat and more fruits and vegetables. This increased use of fruits and vegetables doubles the intake of vitamin A and quadruples the vitamin C consumption compared to that of the general population. One of the major problems with consuming animal products is the fat.
Animal fats make up over half of the fats in the American diet.
Fat does not likely initiate cancer, but it is considered to be a promoter of it. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences states that total dietary saturated fat correlate best with an increase in cancer risk, and that 70 percent of saturated fat comes from animal products. If the public reduced its fat intake to around 20 percent of the calories, we would see an estimated 33 percent decrease in breast, colon, rectal, ovary, and endometrial cancer. Reducing the fat in your diet to 20 percent of the calories, will most likely reduce the risk of a number of cancers. Animal studies suggest that there is no additional benefit in reducing fat intake below 20 percent of the calories.