The Impact of a Mediterranean Diet on Long-Term Cancer Survivors

The study conducted by Marialaura Bonaccio, PhD, and colleagues from the IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo in Italy, focused on the relationship between long-term cancer survivors and their adherence to a Mediterranean diet. The findings of the study revealed that survivors with high adherence to the diet had a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with poor adherence. This suggests that maintaining or adopting a traditional Mediterranean diet post-cancer diagnosis may have beneficial effects on survival outcomes.

Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet for Cancer Survivors

The Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, and nuts, was found to be associated with a 32% lower risk of all-cause mortality in long-term cancer survivors. Additionally, high adherence to the diet was linked to a 42% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality. This is particularly important as cancer patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to shared modifiable risk factors. The abundance of polyphenols in the Mediterranean diet, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may play a role in reducing cardiovascular mortality among cancer survivors.

Limitations of the Study

Despite the promising findings, the study did have some limitations that need to be considered. The researchers pointed out that the observational nature of the study does not allow for causality to be inferred. Additionally, the participants in the study had already survived an average of 9 years at baseline, which may have introduced survival bias into the results. It is possible that those with more active cancers had already passed away, affecting the overall outcomes of the study.

The study by Bonaccio and colleagues highlights the potential benefits of a Mediterranean diet for long-term cancer survivors. While the diet was not significantly associated with lower cancer mortality, it showed a clear advantage in reducing all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Further research is needed to develop targeted dietary recommendations for cancer survivors to improve their long-term outcomes. Adopting a Mediterranean diet post-cancer diagnosis may be a simple yet effective way to enhance overall survival and well-being in this population.