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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Colorectal Cancer Risk Among Moroccan Population: Hospital-Based Case Control
Hamza Elbaylek1, Soumia Ammor1
1Department of Biology, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology, Anthropobiology and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia University Cadi Ayyad, Marrakech, Morocco.
Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health problem, including Morocco. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has demonstrated potential anticancerogenic effects toward CRC in Northern Mediterranean countries. Using a Modified Mediterranean Diet (MMD) score adapted to southern countries, we investigated the relationship between adherence to the MD and the risk of CRC among the Moroccan population.
Material And Methods:
During the study, we recruited 395 cases matched with 395 controls by sex and age (± 3 years). Using an adapted Food Frequency Questionnaire, we assessed the dietary intakes of participants to calculate the MMD score. We estimated the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for both basic and adjusted models to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the MD and the risk of CRC.
Result:
We observed a significant inverse association between adherence to the MD and CRC risk. In the adjusted model, moderate adherence to the MD was associated with 52% lower risk of CRC [odds ratio (OR*): 0.48 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.37-0.69], while high adherence to the MD was associated with 61% lower risk of CRC compared to the lowest category. When stratified by sex, both moderate [OR*: 0.36 (CI95%: 0.27-0.55)] and high [OR*: 0.43 (CI95%:0.27-0.74)] adherence were inversely correlated with CRC risk for women, while for men, only high adherence was inversely correlated with the risk of CRC [OR*: 0.3 (CI95%:0.19-0.5)].
Conclusion:
Adherence to MD is associated with a decreased risk of CRC, an association that may be influenced by tumor location, sex, and age. Despite certain differences between northern and southern countries, the MD can be an effective preventative measure against CRC for populations in the Southern Mediterranean region.
Insights
Adhering to the Modified Mediterranean Diet (MMD) significantly lowers colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in Morocco. High MMD adherence reduced CRC risk by 61%, showing its potential as a preventative measure.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition and Cancer Epidemiology
- Public Health Research
- Mediterranean Diet Studies
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant public health challenge in Morocco.
- The Mediterranean Diet (MD) shows promise in reducing CRC risk in Northern Mediterranean populations.
- A Modified Mediterranean Diet (MMD) score was adapted for Southern countries to assess its impact in Morocco.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in the Moroccan population.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a Modified Mediterranean Diet (MMD) score tailored for Southern regions.
- To determine if MD adherence can be a preventative strategy against CRC in Morocco.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 395 CRC cases and 395 matched controls.
- Dietary intake was assessed using an adapted Food Frequency Questionnaire to calculate the MMD score.
- Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the MD-CRC risk relationship.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse association was observed between MD adherence and CRC risk.
- Moderate MD adherence reduced CRC risk by 52% (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.37-0.69).
- High MD adherence reduced CRC risk by 61% (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.27-0.59).
- Stratified analysis showed inverse correlations for women with moderate and high adherence, and for men with high adherence only.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).
- This association may be influenced by factors such as tumor location, sex, and age.
- The MD can serve as an effective preventative measure against CRC in the Southern Mediterranean region, despite regional dietary variations.
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