Dietary patterns and endometrial cancer: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Nutrition Science
• Oncology

Background:

• Dietary patterns are linked to various chronic diseases.
• The relationship between diet and endometrial cancer (EC) risk requires further clarification.
• Previous studies show inconsistent findings regarding dietary influences on EC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating associations between dietary patterns and endometrial cancer (EC) risk.
• To synthesize evidence from existing studies on diet and EC.
• To identify specific dietary patterns that may influence EC development.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was performed, including 27 studies.
• Common dietary patterns with high food/nutrient loadings were selected.
• Risk estimates (odds ratios and confidence intervals) were analyzed for highest versus lowest categories of dietary patterns.

Main Results:

• A healthy dietary pattern was associated with a decreased risk of EC (OR=0.74, CI: 0.62-0.88).
• A western-style dietary pattern was linked to an increased risk of EC (OR=1.37, CI: 1.15-1.64).
• No significant association was found between alcohol-drinking patterns and EC risk (OR=0.98, CI: 0.73-1.30).

Conclusions:

• Dietary patterns play a role in endometrial cancer (EC) risk.
• Adopting a healthy diet may be protective against EC.
• Western-style diets may increase EC risk, warranting further investigation.