Mediterranean diet adherence among women attending mobile breast cancer prevention program: results of a cross-sectional study in Italy

Background. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has been linked to lower breast cancer incidence through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study evaluated adherence to the MedDiet among women undergoing mammographic screening provided by mobile units in Italy and explored its association with breast cancer risk factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out between January and December 2023 as part of the “Prevention Caravan” mobile health program. Eligible participants included women aged 18 years or older who underwent breast ultrasound or mammography and completed the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). Descriptive analyses and differences across groups defined by known breast cancer risk factors, stratified by MedDiet adherence levels, were performed. Results. A total of 7,492 women were included, most of whom were < 45 years of age (69%) and from Central Italy (59%). The mean MEDAS score was 7.0 (SD 1.6), with 62% categorized as having low adherence to the MedDiet. Excellent adherence was more prevalent in women from Southern Italy (34%, p = 0.002). MEDAS score increased by increasing age (p = 0.036), with excellent adherence being more common among women aged 46–74 years (37%, p = 0.022) and postmenopausal women (27%, p < 0.001). A significant association emerged with family history of breast conditions (p < 0.001), particularly benign lesions, who showed lower adherence. Conclusion. Mobile programs like the “Prevention Caravan” may help promote healthy lifestyles and reduce inequalities. Future studies should confirm these results in larger, more diverse populations and explore associations with lesion type and severity.