Does the alkaline diet affect cancer?

There is no compelling evidence that an alkaline diet can treat cancer or reduce one's overall cancer risk, according to the Canadian Cancer Agency. However, an alkaline diet is often rich in fruits and vegetables and low in meat and thus may be helpful in the maintenance of good health.

Proponents of an alkaline diet allege that acidic body conditions are conducive to disease, including cancer. There is evidence that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in animal products can help prevent diabetes, kidney stones, and colon cancer, but it is not clear that these benefits can be attributed to the acid-base balance of the human body, states WebMD.