Extra virgin olive oil, one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean diet, may do more than support heart health. A growing body of scientific research suggests it could also help lower the risk of certain types of breast cancer, although experts stress that it should not be viewed as a standalone preventive measure.
Researchers believe the potential protective effect comes from olive oil’s unique combination of healthy monounsaturated fats and powerful natural compounds known as polyphenols. These substances—including oleocanthal, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol—have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties in laboratory studies. They may help reduce oxidative stress, slow the growth of abnormal cells and interfere with biological pathways involved in tumour development.
Recent studies have produced encouraging, though not definitive, results. A large Italian study published in 2025 found that women with higher olive oil consumption had a lower risk of developing hormone receptor-negative breast cancers, which are generally more aggressive and harder to treat. However, the researchers did not find a clear reduction in the overall risk of breast cancer, highlighting the need for further long-term studies. 2
Earlier clinical research into the Mediterranean diet also suggested that women whose diets were enriched with extra virgin olive oil developed significantly fewer cases of breast cancer than those following a conventional low-fat diet. Scientists caution, however, that this benefit likely reflects the overall dietary pattern rather than olive oil alone.
Health specialists continue to recommend extra virgin olive oil as part of a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and fish. While no single food can prevent cancer, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption and following a Mediterranean-style diet remain among the most effective lifestyle strategies for reducing cancer risk.
Scientists emphasize that research in this field is ongoing. Although the findings are promising, olive oil should be considered one element of a healthy lifestyle rather than a medical treatment or guaranteed form of cancer prevention. More large-scale clinical studies are needed to better understand its long-term protective effects against breast cancer.
