Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk in Women, suggests study
Researchers have discovered in a new study that strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer in women, especially in postmenopausal women. The study was published in the Health Science Reports journal. The Mediterranean diet (MD) packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and fish has traditionally been recognized as having cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. The study was conducted by Mehdi K. and colleagues.
To assess this correlation, scientists performed a comprehensive meta-analysis based on data from 31 studies, both cohort and case-control studies, through November 2024. The analysis included studies that reported multivariable-adjusted effect sizes as hazard ratios (HRs), with adjustment for heterogeneity through the I² statistic and testing for publication bias. The meta-analysis employed a random-effects model to provide stable pooled results, considering the heterogeneity in study designs and populations examined.
Key Findings
Pooled analysis revealed a number of key findings:
• Overall association: Women who were adherent to the Mediterranean diet had a 13% decreased risk of breast cancer compared to non-adherents (HR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82–0.92; I² = 70%), representing moderate heterogeneity between studies.
• Postmenopausal women: The most pronounced association was noted in this category, where there was a decreased risk by 12% (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84–0.92).
• Premenopausal women: No statistically significant benefit was found (HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.90–1.06), indicating that age and hormonal status could impact diet-related prevention of cancer.
Geographical variation:
• Asia: Women who followed the MD had a 41% risk reduction (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.50–0.68), the greatest geographic result.
• Europe: Exhibited a small 10% risk reduction (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83–0.97).
• America: Demonstrated no statistically significant correlation (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.82–1.02).
By study design:
• Case-control studies revealed a 23% risk reduction (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.70–0.85).
• Cohort studies did not identify a significant association (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.90–1.02).
The meta-analysis concluded that compliance with the Mediterranean diet was linked with a lower risk of breast cancer, with the strongest effects observed in postmenopausal women and Asian populations. These results indicate that the promotion of the Mediterranean diet may represent an important public health intervention for breast cancer prevention.
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