Plant-based dietary patterns characterized by high intake of plant-based foods are gaining global popularity due to their health benefits for those who follow them and their positive effects on environmental sustainability. The incidence of malignant tumors is rising annually worldwide making it the second leading cause of death and a persistent public health issue globally. Studies have indicated that malignant tumor is largely preventable with diet playing a crucial role in primary prevention and also affecting malignant tumor mortality and patient prognosis. Plant foods rich in dietary fiber and various phytochemicals have been supported by epidemiological studies showing their effectiveness in reducing the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors. Examining overall dietary behavior the plant - based dietary pattern considers potential correlations between different foods or nutrients and their association with malignant tumors which are drawing increasing attention. The concept of plant-based dietary patterns is continuously evolving from vegetarian diets to various plant-based diet indices. People are exploring more refined plant-based dietary approaches and beginning to consider the health and quality of different plant - based foods. This review aims to summarize various types of plant- based dietary patterns and the related research evidence concerning their relationship with malignant tumor incidence and mortality providing a theoretical foundation for daily dietary recommendations and malignant tumor prevention.