The Protective Role of Mushrooms in Cancer Prevention

Mushrooms have been a staple in various cuisines worldwide since at least the Upper Palaeolithic Age between 18,000 and 12,000 years ago¹ .

Their appeal is not just for their unique taste but also for their potential health benefits.

A recent study titled Higher Mushroom Consumption Is Associated with Lower Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies¹ dives deep into the relationship between mushroom consumption and cancer risk.

Key Findings

• Mushrooms are abundant in bioactive compounds, and their potential health benefits have recently garnered significant research attention.

• The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between mushroom intake and cancer risk at any site.

• The research spanned from 1 January 1966 to 31 October 2020 and included 17 observational studies.

• The results indicated that higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of total cancer. Specifically, the risk was reduced by 34% for those who consumed the most mushrooms compared to those who consumed the least.

• The study also found a significant association between higher mushroom consumption and a lower risk of breast cancer.

• However, the association with other site-specific cancers was not as pronounced, possibly due to the limited number of studies conducted on them.

• The research also pointed out a significant nonlinear dose-response association between mushroom consumption and the risk of total cancer.

Implications and Considerations

While the study presents promising results about the protective effects of mushrooms against cancer, particularly breast cancer, it's essential to consider the limitations. The potential for recall and selection bias in some of the included studies, along with variations in adjustment factors, might influence the outcomes.

Nevertheless, the association between higher mushroom consumption and a reduced risk of cancer suggests that mushrooms could play a protective role in our diets.