Uterine cancer or endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers in women.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 63,230 new cases of uterine cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2018, with approximately 11,350 deaths from the disease.

While there are various factors that can increase a woman’s risk of developing uterine cancer, research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing the cancer, as well as improving outcomes for those who have already been diagnosed.

What is Uterine Cancer?

Before delving into the relationship between uterine cancer and the Mediterranean diet, it is important to understand what uterine cancer actually is, where it occurs and what the signs and symptoms are.

Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the uterus. The uterus is an organ that exists in the female reproductive system. The primary role of the uterus is to carry and nourish the developing fetus during pregnancy.

Although it is not completely clear what causes uterine cancer, there are several factors that appear to increase a woman’s risk of developing the disease. These include:.

Being postmenopausal
Having a high BMI (body mass index)
Having diabetes
Having high blood pressure
Having used hormone therapy
Having had colorectal or ovarian cancer

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

This diet has been associated with a wide range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

The Mediterranean diet is based on a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. It also includes moderate consumption of fish and dairy products and low consumption of red meat.

Olive oil plays a central role in the diet and is the primary source of dietary fat. The diet also includes a moderate intake of red wine.

The Link Between the Mediterranean Diet and Uterine Cancer

Research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may reduce a woman’s risk of developing uterine cancer. The diet appears to be particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women, who are at a higher risk of developing the cancer.

One study published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control found that women who followed a Mediterranean diet were 57% less likely to develop endometrial cancer, a type of uterine cancer, compared to those who did not follow the diet.

The study also found that the diet was associated with a lower level of inflammatory markers, which are known to play a role in the development of cancer.

An additional study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that postmenopausal women who followed the Mediterranean diet had a 34% lower risk of developing endometrial cancer.

How the Mediterranean Diet Can Help Prevent Uterine Cancer

There are several reasons why the Mediterranean diet may help prevent uterine cancer. For one, the diet is low in processed foods and red meat, which are known to increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer.

The diet is also high in fiber, which has been shown to help maintain a healthy hormonal balance in postmenopausal women.

Olive oil, which is a central component of the Mediterranean diet, is also known to contain anti-inflammatory compounds, which help reduce inflammation in the body.

Inflammation plays a role in the development of cancer, so reducing inflammation may help reduce a woman’s risk of developing uterine cancer.

Finally, the Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. This damage can lead to DNA mutations, which can increase the risk of developing cancer.

By consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, women may be able to reduce their risk of developing uterine cancer.

The Mediterranean Diet for Women with Uterine Cancer

It is not just women who are looking to prevent uterine cancer who can benefit from following the Mediterranean diet. Women who have already been diagnosed with uterine cancer may also benefit from following the diet.

Several studies have found that the Mediterranean diet may improve outcomes for women who have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

One study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that women with endometrial cancer who followed the Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of recurrence and a higher overall survival rate compared to those who did not follow the diet.

Another study published in the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology found a similar association between the Mediterranean diet and improved outcomes in women with endometrial cancer.

The study found that women who followed the Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which is a common complication of cancer treatment.

While more research is needed, the evidence suggests that following the Mediterranean diet may be a promising adjunct therapy for women with uterine cancer.

Conclusion

Uterine cancer is a serious disease that affects many women each year.

While there is no one definitive way to prevent the disease, research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing uterine cancer, as well as improving outcomes for those who have already been diagnosed. The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil.

It is a way of eating that is sustainable, enjoyable, and has numerous health benefits beyond reducing the risk of uterine cancer.