Diet in Prognosis among Cancer Survivors

This study investigates how dietary patterns and interventions influence outcomes for cancer survivors, including mortality, recurrence, and quality of life. Analyzing 35 prospective cohort studies and 14 randomized controlled trials (2011–2021), the review finds that high-quality dietary patterns—such as adherence to the Mediterranean diet and Healthy Eating Index—are associated with reduced all-cause mortality, particularly in breast and colorectal cancer survivors. Meta-analysis revealed a 23% reduction in mortality among breast cancer survivors with better diet quality. Dietary interventions combining physical activity were especially effective, improving both survival and quality of life. However, results varied across studies; weight loss and energy balance emerged as critical factors for prognosis, potentially explaining differences in outcomes. Anti-inflammatory diets and whole-diet approaches showed promise, with broader benefits than single-nutrient studies. While the evidence strongly supports lifestyle interventions, most research focuses on breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, leaving gaps for other cancer types. The study highlights the need for tailored dietary guidelines and further research to refine recommendations, emphasizing the critical role of diet and physical activity in improving cancer survivorship outcomes.

Four Most Important Conclusions

1. High-Quality Diets Improve Survival: Adherence to dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet reduces all-cause and cancer-specific mortality, especially in breast and colorectal cancers.

2. Combined Interventions Are Most Effective: Programs incorporating dietary changes and physical activity significantly enhance quality of life and reduce recurrence risks.

3. Weight Management is Critical: Weight loss, even as an unintended result of dietary interventions, is strongly associated with better prognosis.

4. General Effects of Interventions on Prognosis: Lifestyle interventions should be incorporated into post-treatment care to reduce recurrence risks and enhance long-term well-being.

Author: Carlton Castro-Espin and Antonio Agudo

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8779048/