( CNN ) Dropping red meat , and sticking to a plant-based diet that incorporates fish may be the key to preventing colorectal ( colon and rectum ) cancers , according to a seven-year study published Monday . Pescetarians , as they are commonly referred , had a 43 % lower chance of getting the cancer compared to people with omnivorous diets . Why focus on colorectal cancer ? It is the third most diagnosed cancer , and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the US in 2014 , according to American Cancer Society statistics . The disease is particularly dangerous because it is usually asymptomatic in its early stages , making it more difficult to detect when it 's less deadly . Only 59 % of those recommended for screenings receive procedures that are in line with the American Cancer Society 's standards . The study , which followed nearly 78,000 people and was published in the Journal of American Medical Association , adds to the growing body of evidence touting the health benefits of a plant-based diet . Another study , reviewing data from 39 separate studies showing that a plant based diet leads to an average drop in blood pressure similar to 30-60 minutes of exercise per day . Yet another study from last year found an average weight loss of nearly 7.5 pounds for vegetarians . While evidence shows the health benefits of reducing red meat consumption , the recent study highlights the differences between even a fully vegetarian diet and a pescetarian diet . Within the sample group there was a 27 % drop in the risk of contracting colorectal cancer if you switch from fully vegetarian to eating fish . The authors of the study suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be the key to such a low risk of cancer in the pescetarian group . Nutritionist Lisa Drayer agrees . `` In addition to other dietary factors , fish may provide added protection from its high content omega-3 fatty acids . This is consistent with previous research that has found omega-3s have anti-cancer activity and that they may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer . '' Some questions can be raised though , from observing the recent study 's participants Seventh Day Adventists , a group that typically avoids alcohol and tobacco . But despite the caveat , Drayer is optimistic . `` While the study is observational and can not prove a cause/effect relationship , it is exciting to think that in addition to regular screenings , a diet rich in fish and fiber-rich foods may play an important role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer . ''
A new study shows a 43 % lower risk of contracting colorectal cancer with a pesco-vegetarian diet . Colorectal cancers are the third most diagnosed cancers in the U.S. Plant-based diets may also contribute to greater weight loss and lower blood pressure .