Where can patients find information on the Mediterranean diet to reduce cancer risk?

Mediterranean Diet Resources for Cancer Risk Reduction

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends directing patients to evidence-based resources on the Mediterranean diet as a strategy to reduce cancer risk.

Recommended Resources for Patients

Official Health Organization Websites

• American Cancer Society (ACS) - Provides comprehensive guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention 1
• World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) - Offers evidence-based recommendations on diet patterns that reduce cancer risk 2

Key Components of Mediterranean Diet to Emphasize

The Mediterranean diet aligns well with ACS recommendations and includes:

• Plant-based foods as foundation:

  • 5+ servings of vegetables and fruits daily 1
  • Variety of vegetables and fruits at every meal 1
  • Whole grains instead of refined grains 1
  • Legumes and beans as protein alternatives 1

• Protein choices:

  • Limited red and processed meats 1
  • Fish at least twice weekly 1
  • Poultry and beans as alternatives to red meat 1

• Healthy fats:

  • Olive oil as primary fat source
  • Limited saturated fats 1

• Limited consumption of:

  • Processed foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates 1
  • Alcohol (limit to one glass/day for women, two for men) 1

Evidence Supporting Mediterranean Diet for Cancer Prevention

Research consistently shows that adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with:

• Reduced overall cancer incidence and mortality 2, 3
• Lower risk of specific cancers including colorectal, breast, and aerodigestive tract cancers 3, 4
• Protective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 4

Implementation Tips for Healthcare Providers

1. Direct patients to credible resources rather than commercial websites that may contain misinformation

2. Emphasize gradual adoption of Mediterranean diet principles:

   • Start with increasing vegetable and fruit intake
   • Substitute olive oil for butter or other fats
   • Replace red meat with fish or plant proteins several times weekly

3. Address common barriers:

   • Cost concerns: suggest frozen vegetables and fruits as affordable alternatives
   • Time constraints: provide quick Mediterranean-inspired meal ideas
   • Cultural preferences: adapt principles to patient's cultural food traditions

4. Monitor and support progress through regular follow-up discussions about dietary adherence

Special Considerations

For cancer survivors, the Mediterranean diet pattern is associated with lower overall mortality and non-cancer mortality 1. The ACS nutrition guidelines for cancer survivors specifically note that healthy postdiagnosis diet patterns, including more plant-based diets like the Mediterranean diet, are associated with better outcomes 1.

Remember that while the Mediterranean diet shows promise for cancer risk reduction, it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity, as recommended by the ACS 1.