175 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits observed in certain dietary intervention studies with EVOO. Overall, epidemiological studies show that a higher risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women is associated with obesity, alcohol consumption, for which there is very strong evidence, and a high intake of saturated fats. Conversely, these studies show that regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer in women. It has also been suggested that, in female breast cancer patients, dietary intervention involving healthy dietary factors, such as EVOO, could limit the side effects induced by chemotherapy and might improve the efficacy of the administered drugs. This is an aspect that opens new and interesting perspectives, but for which solid scientific evidence is still lacking to affirm these properties with certainty. In any case, an appropriate diet does not contribute to cancer development, whereas a harmful one can accelerate the clinical course of the disease. Be that as it may, EVOO should under no circumstances be considered a medication. Unlike medical therapies, experimental data from the GMECM have clearly shown that the beneficial actions of EVOO, slowing proliferation and inducing tumour cell death, are not potent enough to reverse the disease. Its effect would rather consist in preventing it and, when it is already present, in slowing tumour progression (Figure 14.5). This is more a matter of public health, based on healthy habits that include EVOO as an integral part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. There are clinical studies that have reported the ability of EVOO to reduce both the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer. Moreover, several EVOO components (monounsaturated fatty acids, squalene, phytosterols, and phenols) have been confirmed to exert favourable effects on free radicals, inflammation, intestinal microbiota, and carcinogenesis. It is well known that diet in general, and particularly EVOO, influences the composition of intestinal microbiota. A “Western diet”, especially one low in fibre and high in fats and carbohydrates, can lead to severe dysbiosis. In contrast, “Mediterranean” and vegetarian diets, rich in fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and oily fish, are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and could help prevent dysbiosis and subsequent inflammatory bowel disease. In this regard, it has been reported that, when diets include EVOO as the main source of fat, the intestinal microorganisms generate active metabolites, derived from certain olive oil components, which may have chemopreventive effects against this type of cancer. Experimental studies with colon cancer cells have shown that EVOO polyphenols possess multiple anticancer properties, by slowing down some of the pathways involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis development, while promoting cell differentiation and tumour cell death by apoptosis. Some of these effects of olive oil
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