Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Among Women Attending Mammographic Screening

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Among Women Attending Mammographic Screening in the "Prevention Caravan" by Komen Italy: a Cross-sectional Study

The PREVCAR study is a cross-sectional investigation aimed at evaluating dietary habits among women undergoing breast cancer screening. Specifically, the study focuses on adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a dietary pattern recognized for its potential protective role against chronic diseases, including breast cancer. The PREVCAR study will include approximately 35,000 women aged 18 and older who participate in the "Prevention Caravan" and complete both the breast cancer screening and the MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) questionnaire. This 14-item questionnaire measures dietary behavior, with scores reflecting levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

The primary objective of the study is to determine the average MEDAS score among participants. Secondary objectives include analyzing how adherence varies across different known breast cancer risk factors-such as age, menopausal status, hormonal therapy use, and reproductive history-and assessing the prevalence of malignant breast lesions identified through the screening.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women who participate in the "Prevention Caravan" program;
• Women who undergo breast cancer screening, including mammography or breast ultrasound;
• Women who complete the MEDAS questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who do not participate in the "Prevention Caravan" program;
• Women who participate in the "Prevention Caravan" program but undergo screenings or consultations for conditions other than breast cancer, such as gynecological cancers, thyroid ultrasounds, or dermatological evaluations;
• Women who do not complete the MEDAS questionnaire.