Canada
Leading cause: Cancer · 39% plant-based · 82 yr life expectancy · UHC 92/100
What People Eat
Harvard/Canada cohort study: replacing 3% of animal protein calories with plant protein = 9% lower all-cause mortality.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Cancer · 143 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
Cancer (143/100k) leads Canadian mortality ahead of heart disease (111/100k). A large Harvard/Canada cohort found that replacing just 3% of animal-protein calories with plant protein was associated with 9% lower all-cause mortality, a small, achievable change with measurable payoff.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Swap a portion of animal protein for plant protein (legumes, nuts, whole grains), the 3% shift linked to 9% lower mortality.
- Reduce ultra-processed foods and added sugar.
- Direct strong healthcare access toward dietary prevention of cancer and CVD.
Explore the evidence: Cancer
Song et al., JAMA Internal Medicine · 2016
→ Plant protein swap: 9% lower mortality