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Insights into the Effect of a Mediterranean Diet on Prostate Cancer Progression

A newly published study investigating the impacts of diet on prostate cancer progression has found that individuals who follow a Mediterranean diet have a reduced risk of cancer progression.

Researchers at the University of Texas examined the diets and median-term cancer progression (36 months) of a study group consisting of 410 men who had been newly diagnosed with localised prostate cancer. Study participants completed a food frequency questionnaire, based on which they were split into three categories; those whose diet was typically not consistent with a Mediterranean diet (low baseline diet), those who followed some aspects of the diet (medium baseline diet), and those whose diet was largely consistent with a Mediterranean diet (high baseline diet). Taking into account clinical factors which may worsen cancer progression, such as age, medication, and diabetes status, the study revealed that a positive correlation was seen between a lower risk of cancer progression and men who typically followed a Mediterranean diet, compared to those who did not.

So, what is a typical Mediterranean diet?

In this study, a typical Mediterranean diet was said to consist primarily of vegetables, fish, fruit, legumes, and whole grains, with only moderate alcohol consumption. Foods such as fatty meats and dairy, and no or high alcohol consumption were said to be inconsistent with a Mediterranean diet.

While further work needs to be carried out to elucidate which aspects of the diet may be helpful in lowering the risk of cancer progression, researchers believe that the anti‐inflammatory, antilipidemic, and chemopreventive properties of a Mediterranean diet may be the underlying causes.

The authors of the current study are hopeful that further research into the impacts of sticking to a Mediterranean diet on prostate cancer progression may provide useful insights into the overall impacts of diet on additional types of cancer progression and treatment.

Source: ACS