New Study Suggests that Seventh-Day Adventists Know How to Keep Cancer at Bay

The study analyzed cancer incidence and death rates from all causes in both the Seventh-day Adventist population — which is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse American religious groups, according to the Pew Research Center — and a sample of the U.S. population. In cancer incidence, they had:

• 30% lower rates of breast cancer
• 16% lower rates of colorectal cancer
• 50% lower rates of rectal cancer
• 30% lower rates of lung cancer

The study also looked specifically at black Seventh-day Adventists compared with the overall black population in the U.S. and found that overall cancer incidence for black Seventh-day Adventists was 22% lower than they were in the black population at-large.

So, What’s Their Secret?

Some of the habits important to Adventists have been associated with cancer prevention, although the study’s researchers said more information is needed to say whether there is a causal relationship between these behaviors and the lower cancer rates. These behaviors include:

• Avoiding cigarettes (smoking is an established risk factor for multiple types of cancer)
• Eating a plant-based diet (while meat itself is not “the enemy,” the way the western world processes meats can have negative health implications. Diets rich in plant-based protein such as lentils and beans, on the other hand, have been shown to reduce inflammation that could lead to cancer)
• Exercising regularly (staying active is an established tenant of cancer prevention)
• Maintaining a normal body weight (obesity is technically considered “carcinogenic” — meaning cancer-causing)

RELATED: Major Reduction in Cancer Risk by Following Old Standbys Diet and Exercise

Everything in Moderation

These habits all fall into the religion’s overall emphasis on health. According to Adventists.org, which claims to be the official website of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, Adventists believe that God called upon them to care for their bodies and to “treat them with the respect a divine creation deserves.”

The religion also prides itself on adherence to the “everything in moderation” principles that experts often emphasize in conversations about cancer prevention.

“Gluttony and excess, even of something good, can be detrimental to our health,” reads the website. “Adventists believe the key to wellness lies in a life of balance and temperance. … Exercise and avoidance of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and mind-altering substances lead to clear minds and wise choices.

“A well-balanced vegetarian diet that avoids the consumption of meat coupled with intake of legumes, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, along with a source of vitamin B12, will promote vigorous health.”

These health habits, of course, are not exclusively tied to the Seventh-day Adventist religion.

“The findings in this report … strongly suggest that these health advantages may be available to all Americans who choose similar diets,” explained Dr. Gary Fraser, one of the authors on the study.  “In addition, of course, to other well-known prudent lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and care with body weight.”

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