MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND CANCER PREVENTION

Dominika Sidor; Dominika Kuźmiuk; Przemysław Szostak; Sylwia Maj; Katarzyna Procajło; Albert Sikorski; Wiktoria Sikorska; Martyna Rynkowska; Joanna Danio

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5511

Authors

Dominika Sidor Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2331-769X
Dominika Kuźmiuk Doctoral School of the Medical University of Lublin, ul. Witolda Chodźki 7, 20-093 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5803-5118
Przemysław Szostak Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4206-9854
Sylwia Maj Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7215-147X
Katarzyna Procajło Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8408-2049
Albert Sikorski University Hospital No. 1 Stanisława Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Medical University of Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6814-7286
Wiktoria Sikorska Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4552-4635
Martyna Rynkowska Medical University of Lublin, Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8976-2318
Joanna Danio Powiatowe Centrum Zdrowia Sp. z o.o. Kartuzy, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7935-8307

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5511

Keywords:

Mediterranean Diet, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Dietary Fibre, Cancer Prevention, Cancer Statistic

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is one of the most frequently recommended dietary models for the prevention of lifestyle diseases, including cancers. Unlike restrictive diets, it does not require significant dietary restrictions, is safe and does not lead to deficiencies. It is characterized by a high content of vitamins, fiber and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances.

Aim and methods: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the Mediterranean diet on cancer prevention. Information was collected from scientific publications available in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases.

Results: Previous research indicates that MedDiet benefits cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases. A growing body of evidence also points to its role in the prevention of cancers such as breast, lung, liver and colorectal cancers. A high intake of vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil and nuts is associated with a lower risk of developing these diseases.

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