Recent research conducted in Italy has revealed promising findings regarding the impact of a Mediterranean diet on long-term cancer survivors. The study, led by Marialaura Bonaccio, PhD, and her colleagues, followed a cohort of cancer survivors for nearly 13 years to assess the relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and mortality rates. The results of the study suggest that maintaining or adopting a traditional Mediterranean diet post-cancer diagnosis may have significant benefits for survivors.
One of the key findings of the study was that survivors with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 32% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with poor adherence. This significant reduction in risk highlights the potential life-saving benefits of following a Mediterranean diet. Additionally, high adherence to the diet was associated with a 42% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality, which is particularly important for cancer patients who are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to shared risk factors.
Bonaccio and colleagues noted that the Mediterranean diet is rich in foods that are natural sources of polyphenols, bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. These compounds may play a role in preventing cancer progression and recurrence, as well as reducing the risk of cardiovascular mortality. The emphasis on vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, and nuts in the Mediterranean diet provides a well-rounded nutritional approach that may benefit cancer survivors.
The study used data from the Moli-sani Study, a population-based cohort in Italy that included over 24,000 men and women aged 35 and older. Among the participants, 802 had a cancer diagnosis at baseline and provided relevant medical records and dietary information. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using a 9-point scale and divided into poor, average, and high categories. Participants with higher diet adherence tended to have a higher socioeconomic status and be more physically active.
While the study provided valuable insights into the potential benefits of a Mediterranean diet for cancer survivors, the authors acknowledged several limitations. As an observational study, causality cannot be inferred, and survival bias may have influenced the results. Additionally, the lack of a significant association between diet adherence and cancer mortality may be attributed to the multifaceted nature of cancer progression and recurrence. Further research is needed to explore the role of dietary interventions in improving outcomes for cancer survivors.
The findings of this study underscore the importance of dietary factors in long-term cancer survivorship. Adopting a Mediterranean diet rich in plant-based foods, fish, and healthy fats may offer significant benefits for survivors, including reduced risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. As we continue to uncover the role of nutrition in cancer care, personalized dietary recommendations tailored to survivors’ needs may become an essential component of long-term survivorship care.
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