Protective Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Cancers, Gastrointestinal Cancers, and All-Cause Mortality: A Competing Risk Analysis in a Southern Italian Cohort.

Background/objectives: This study investigates the association between extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption and mortality risk in a cohort of Italian adults adhering to the Mediterranean diet.
Methods: In a 17-year follow-up study involving participants from Castellana Grotte, Italy (2005-2023), we analyzed dietary intake and mortality data. Participants were categorized into three EVOO consumption groups: <30 g/day, 30-50 g/day, and >50 g/day. Mortality Hazard Ratios (HR) and Subdistribution Hazard Ratios (SHR) were calculated to assess the relationship between EVOO intake and all-cause and cancer mortality.
Results: Higher EVOO consumption was associated with significantly reduced cancer and all-cause mortality. Specifically, the daily intake of 30-50 g of EVOO was linked to a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.63-0.93), while the consumption of more than 50 g/day was associated with a 20% reduction (HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65-0.98). The most pronounced benefit was observed for gastrointestinal cancers, with a 60% lower mortality risk for those consuming over 50 g/day (SHR 0.39; 95% CI 0.21-0.73). A 50% reduction in mortality risk from other cancers was also noted for the highest consumption category (SHR 0.50; 95% CI 0.31-0.81).
Conclusions: The findings support the beneficial role of EVOO in reducing cancer mortality, particularly with higher consumption levels. The results underscore EVOO's potential as a dietary intervention for cancer prevention, aligning with the Mediterranean diet's overall health benefits. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.