Last update:
04-Jun-2021

Cancer is one of the major health problems worldwide, with negative effects on the life expectancy and quality of life of patients. At the forefront of research is the prevention of cancer through diet. This review presents the effects of intermittent fasting on cancer prevention. The majority of studies reviewed concluded that intermittent fasting affects the course of tumors, by either slowing down the development of cancer, or diminishing the number of lesions and inflammation of the tissues, or reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Intermittent fasting with calorie restriction appears to have an anti-cancer effect in animal experiments, but due to the limitations of the studies conducted to date, there is a need for well-designed, randomized clinical trials comparing dietary regimens. Such trials should examine the effect of intermittent fasting over longer periods of time, focusing on parallel forms of cancer and different patient populations.

Key words: Cancer, Intermittent fasting, Periodic fasting, Preclinical studies, Prevention.