A recent study published in JACC CardioOncology suggests that adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet may significantly lower the risk of mortality, especially from cardiovascular diseases, among long-term cancer survivors. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, extra-virgin olive oil, and other healthy plant-based foods, along with some fish and seafood, while limiting meat, poultry, dairy, and heavily-processed food intake. This diet pattern has been widely studied for its potential cancer-preventive effects, but less research has explored its impact on mortality among adults diagnosed with cancer. Italian researchers investigated the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and mortality in 802 Italian adults with a history of cancer and found that higher adherence to the diet was associated with longer life and a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality.
Participants’ adherence to a traditional Mediterranean diet pattern was measured using an established Mediterranean Diet Score, which categorized adherence as poor, average, or high based on nine components of the diet. Mortality data was collected through local death registers and assessed for causes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study found that high adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with a 32% reduced risk of death from any cause and a 58% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality among long-term cancer survivors in Italy. Although there was no significant link between the diet and the risk of death from cancer, the authors suggest that the complex nature of cancer progression and types of cancers included may explain this finding.
While the study’s findings are promising, there are limitations to consider, such as the observational nature of the study, self-reported dietary intake, and potential survival bias among participants. The study included Italian long-term cancer survivors from a specific region, limiting generalizability to other populations. Current American Cancer Society guidelines recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods. The Mediterranean diet closely aligns with these recommendations and may help reduce mortality risk in individuals diagnosed with cancer through its antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory properties.
More research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which a Mediterranean-style diet may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. Individualized nutrition advice from oncologists and registered dietitians specializing in cancer is recommended for those managing chronic conditions like cancer. While a Mediterranean-style diet can be beneficial, personalized dietary recommendations that consider taste preferences, cultural background, and socioeconomic status are essential for optimal health outcomes for cancer patients. Further studies on the impact of the Mediterranean diet on specific types of cancer or tumor stages may provide more knowledge in this area of research.
