Mediterranean Diet and Agri-Food By-Products: A Possible Sustainable Approach for Breast Cancer Treatment

The sustainable use of agri-food by-products offers a significant opportunity. Increasing evidence shows that these by-products have various bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammation and, in turn, the severity of several proliferative diseases. Numerous epidemiological studies have suggested an inverse relationship between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the incidence of breast cancer. Anti-breast cancer effects involve a variety of mechanisms, inhibiting proliferation, migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis of breast tumor cells; inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest; and enhancing the sensitivity of breast tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Extensive research suggests that the Mediterranean diet has various bioactive compounds known to provide protective effects against a wide range of non-communicable diseases. Among the phytochemicals identified as protective against breast cancer, natural polyphenols have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. This review highlights the potential role of natural dietary products and their primary bioactive components in preventing and treating breast cancer, with special emphasis on the mechanisms of action. The integration of agri-food by-products into the diet not only offers opportunities for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer but also promotes sustainable use of resources, contributing to the reduction of waste and the improvement of global health.