A recent study published in JACC CardioOncology suggests that a Mediterranean diet could support longevity and cardiovascular health in cancer survivors. The Mediterranean diet is known for its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, legumes, extra-virgin olive oil, and other healthy plant-based foods, along with some fish and seafood. This diet pattern also generally limits meat, poultry, dairy, and heavily-processed food intake. Although the Mediterranean diet has been widely studied for its potential cancer-preventive effects, 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 who took part in the Moli-sani Study. They found that participants adhering more closely to a Mediterranean-style diet tended to live longer and had a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. The researchers suggest that the diet may influence common molecular mechanisms shared by various chronic illnesses, such as tumors and heart diseases. These findings imply that what benefits the heart may also help prevent or manage cancer, and vice versa.
The study found that high adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet pattern was linked with a 32% reduced risk of death from any cause and a 58% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality among long-term cancer survivors. Each 2-point increase in the Mediterranean Diet Score correlated with a notable 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular death. However, there was no significant link between adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet and the risk of death from cancer.
While the findings appear promising, the study has limitations to consider, such as its observational nature, self-reported dietary intakes, and concerns for survival bias. The study only included Italian long-term cancer survivors, so the generalizability of the findings to other populations is unknown. Current American Cancer Society guidelines recommend a healthy eating pattern that closely resembles the Mediterranean diet for cancer prevention and during treatment.
Diets rich in antioxidants, such as the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, key factors in the development and progression of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. More research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms behind these benefits. It is crucial for individuals diagnosed with cancer to seek individualized nutritional care from health professionals, including oncologists and registered dietitians specializing in cancer, to optimize their health outcomes. Personalized dietary recommendations that consider taste preferences, cultural background, and socioeconomic status are essential for optimal health outcomes for cancer survivors.
