14 Sep Significant Decrease in Breast Cancer With Mediterranean Diet and Olive Oil
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Miguel Ángel Martínez González MD
Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid
IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
Medical Research: What is the background for this study?
Response: Several observational studies and mechanistic experiments in animal models and cell lines suggested that the Mediterranean diet and minor components of extra-virgin olive oil may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
The PREDIMED study was a randomized primary prevention trial for cardiovascular disease among high risk patients initially free of cardiovascular disease. The participants were 7,447 men and women (60-80 years old).
We have used the data from women in this trial to assess the effect of the randomized diets on the occurrence of new cases of breast cancer.
Medical Research: What are the main findings?
Response: Among 4,152 women randomized to 3 different diets
(1.- Mediterranean diet with free provision of extra-virgin olive oil;
2.- Mediterranean diet with free provision of tree nuts; and
3.- Advice to follow a low-fat diet, i.e. control group)
We confirmed 35 new cases of invasive breast cancer during 4.8 of follow-up. A statistically significant 68% relative reduction in the risk of breast cancer in the Mediterranean diet with free provision of extra-virgin olive oil versus the control group was found. There was a significant trend of risk reduction associated with progressive increments in the intake of extra-virgin olive oil during the trial (with repeated yearly measurements of diet) when the 3 groups were assessed together.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: This is first-level evidence now available that a high intake of extra virgin olive oil in the context of a Mediterranean-type diet contributes to the prevention of breast cancer.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: There is a need to conduct large trials with Mediterranean diet and free provision of extra-virgin olive oil with the primary pre-defined outcome of breast cancer among women with a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Also, dietary intervention trials among women who have already survived a breast cancer are needed.
Citation:
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Miguel Ángel Martínez González MD (2015). Significant Decrease in Breast Cancer With Mediterranean Diet and Olive Oil
Last Updated on September 14, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD