Every person in the industrialized world has on average a one
in twenty chance of developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime,
and the incidence in the U.S. is among the highest in the world
[1–3]. Many epidemiological studies have investigated the role
that diet may play in the increased rates observed in Western
countries, and the available evidence points to a protective effect
of Mediterranean diets [4–7]. A Mediterranean diet encompasses
low omega-6 fat intake and higher omega-3 fat intake, higher
monounsaturated fat (MUFA) intake from olive oil, lower red
meat, less refined carbohydrates and increased variety and
quantity of fruits and vegetables [4]. Despite the promising
cancer-preventive properties of Mediterranean diets, there have
been few intervention studies reported using this type of diet in
American populations