June 6, 2016.
A scientific study carried out in Italy, and officially presented at a very important world congress devoted to research against cancer, reveals a new benefit of the Mediterranean diet for health. It protects against recurrence, in case of breast cancer!
No recurrence in the group of women “Mediterranean diet”.
For 4 years, 2 groups of women in remission from breast cancer were followed by researchers in Italy. The first control group, consisting of 108 women, ate normally, not without receiving nutritional advice. The second group, made up of 199 women, was encouraged to adopt the Mediterranean diet. And surprise! After 4 years, 11 women in the control group, or exactly 10%, relapsed. When none of the women in the second group has re-developed cancer!
Recurrence: weight gain should be taken into account
However, the result of the study is disputed by other researchers, who criticize it for not having taken into account the physical activity of the participants, nor the evolution of their weight curve. However, weight gain and lack of physical activity are known factors of recurrence for all types of cancer, and in particular breast cancer.
Several oncologists therefore call for more studies on diet, but also on the lifestyle of cancer patients in remission., in order to better identify the elements that can promote recidivism, or on the contrary, protect against it.
To read also: Breast cancer: soon personalized treatments?
