Apparently sticking to a Mediterranean diet and avoiding "Western-type" foods may
contribute to a reduction in postmenopausal breast cancer risk, which means it probably can't be a bad ruse for pre-menopausal women either.

According to a new French study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the incidence of breast cancer may be lowered in postmenopausal women by a diet strong in fruits, vegetables, fish and olive or sunflower oil.

The diet not to follow is what the French call "alcohol/Western". Isn't that classically French? Have they forgotten le vin they drink is alcohol? Anyway, this horror diet of course comprises meat products, fries, appetizers, rice, pasta, potatoes, pulses, pizza, pies, canned fish, eggs, alcoholic beverages, cakes, mayonnaise, and butter and cream. Our daily fare, in fact. Some of this list is surprising - the pulses, for instance.

The researchers point a finger at Japan to support their case for a good diet, saying, "The Japanese have traditionally been at low risk of breast cancer but...the increasing incidence of breast cancer in Japan can be attributed at least partly to the adoption of a Western diet, which is notably characterized by higher intakes of meat, dairy products, and saturated fat, and decreased consumption of traditional Japanese foods such as seafood." Yes, you've read it before. But apparently there wasn't the evidence the French have provided.

No woman of any age wants breast cancer. And the Mediterranean diet is delicious. But I'm eating mine with a supporting glass of alcohol and I bet French women are, too.