[Mediterranean diet in cancer patients and cancer free adult Arabs in Israel--a case-control study].

Background: Although several studies have investigated the association of the Mediterranean diet (MD) with overall risk of specific cancers, data on overall cancer risk are sparse, especially in Arab populations.

Objectives: To compare between the score of MD in cancer patients and cancer-free adult Israeli Arabs in order to identify risk factors amenable to intervention.

Methods: A case control study was conducted in northern Israel, involving 200 Arab subscribers of a regional Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

Results: An inverse association was found (p = 0.000) between Mediterranean diet score and cancer, with OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.260-0.612.

Conclusions: Greater adherence to Mediterranean diet is associated with lower prevalence of cancer. The adoption of this dietary pattern also seems to moderate the prevalence of obesity and risks of chronic diseases.