Association between Mediterranean diet and head and neck cancer: results of a large case-control study in Italy

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a known protective factor for head and neck cancer (HNC); however, there is still a lack of studies investigating this association by HNC subsite. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the association between adherence to MD and HNC overall and by canc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEuropean journal of cancer prevention Vol. 26; no. 5; p. 418
Main Authors Giraldi, Luca, Panic, Nikola, Cadoni, Gabriella, Boccia, Stefania, Leoncini, Emanuele
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.09.2017
Subjects
Aged
Case-Control Studies
Diet Surveys
Diet, Mediterranean
Female
Fruit
Humans
Italy - epidemiology
Laryngeal Neoplasms - epidemiology
Laryngeal Neoplasms - prevention & control
Logistic Models
Male
Middle Aged
Mouth Neoplasms - epidemiology
Mouth Neoplasms - prevention & control
Patient Compliance - statistics & numerical data
Pharyngeal Neoplasms - epidemiology
Pharyngeal Neoplasms - prevention & control
Risk Factors
Vegetables
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Summary:The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a known protective factor for head and neck cancer (HNC); however, there is still a lack of studies investigating this association by HNC subsite. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the association between adherence to MD and HNC overall and by cancer subsite, as well as the effect of the individual food components on HNC risk. A case-control study was carried out at the Gemelli Hospital of Rome (Italy). A total of 500 HNC cases and 433 controls were interviewed. Dietary intake was assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire that collected information on over 25 food items. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of HNC were calculated using a multiple logistic regression model. We found a reduced risk of both oral cavity and pharynx cancer (OR=0.61; CI: 0.54-0.70) and larynx cancer (OR=0.64; CI: 0.56-0.73) with increasing adherence to MD. We also found a high consumption of fruit, vegetables, and legumes to be significantly associated with a lower risk of larynx as well as oral cavity and pharynx cancers. Our study showed that adherence to MD acts protectively against HNC overall and by cancer subsite.
ISSN:1473-5709
DOI:10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000277