Extensive studies on the traditional diet of the Mediterranean countries indicate that the dietary pattern consists of a high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals; more olive oil and olives; less milk but more cheese;. Theses analyses shows a number of protective substances, such as selenium, glutathione, a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids (EFA), high amounts of fibre, antioxidants (especially from olive oil), vitamins E and C, some of which have been shown to be associated with lower risk of cancer, including cancer of the breast. These findings should serve as a strong incentive for the initiation of intervention trials that will test the effect of specific dietary patterns in the prevention and management of patients with cancer.
