Can a Mediterranean diet reduce cancer mortality?

This study investigated whether a Mediterranean diet is linked to better outcomes in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Dietary changes are thought to affect the development and progression of prostate cancer. However, no study to date has reached conclusive results regarding the effects of diet on mortality from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is known to occur less frequently in Mediterranean populations. Therefore, researchers wished to investigate whether a Mediterranean diet can affect the progression of prostate cancer and reduce mortality among patients. A Mediterranean diet contains high amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, tomatoes, red wine, olive oil and fish, and low amounts of meat and dairy products.

This study followed 4538 men diagnosed with prostate cancer for an average of 9 years. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires regarding their dietary habits. Results showed that adherence to a Mediterranean diet was not associated with the rate of cancer progression or with cancer specific mortality. However, Mediterranean diet was associated with a 22% reduced risk for overall mortality (death from any cause, including cancer and other conditions). High consumption of olive oil (5 or more servings a week) was associated with a 31% reduced risk for overall mortality.

This research concluded that adopting a Mediterranean diet after prostate cancer diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of overall mortality, although cancer progression does not seem to be affected.

Consult with your physician regarding lifestyle and dietary changes that may assist in reducing cancer specific and overall mortality.