Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
09:36
Changes in Mammary Gland Morphology and Breast Cancer Risk in Rats
Published on: October 16, 2010
29.4K
Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Observational Studies
Mehdi Karimi1,2, Omid Asbaghi2, Farnaz Hooshmand3
1Faculty of Medicine Bogomolets National Medical University (NMU) Kyiv Ukraine.
Health Science Reports
|April 21, 2025
Summary
Adhering to the Mediterranean diet (MD) significantly reduces breast cancer risk by 13%. This protective effect is most notable in postmenopausal women and Asian populations, highlighting the MD
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recognized for its health benefits, including potential protection against chronic diseases like cancer.
- Understanding the specific impact of MD adherence on breast cancer risk is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Previous research suggests a link, but a comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to quantify the association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the risk of developing breast cancer in women.
- To quantify the overall risk reduction and explore variations based on menopausal status, geographical region, and study design.
Main Methods:
- A systematic meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies was performed, searching databases up to November 2024.
- A random-effects model was used to pool hazard ratios (HR), assessing heterogeneity with the I² statistic and publication bias.
- Multivariable-adjusted effect sizes were analyzed to determine the association between MD adherence and breast cancer risk.
Main Results:
- Overall adherence to the MD was associated with a significant 13% reduction in breast cancer risk (HR: 0.87).
- Postmenopausal women showed a significant 12% risk reduction (HR: 0.88), while premenopausal women had no significant association (HR: 0.98).
- The strongest risk reduction was observed in Asia (OR: 0.59), with moderate associations in America and Europe; case-control studies showed a stronger effect than cohort studies.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to the Mediterranean diet significantly lowers breast cancer risk, particularly in postmenopausal women and Asian populations.
- The MD may serve as a key dietary intervention for breast cancer prevention, with varying effectiveness across different populations and study types.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings across diverse study designs and geographical contexts.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...