Evidence on the impact of diet, alcohol, body-mass index (BMI), and physical activity on mortality due to
cancer and other
cancer-related outcomes is still scarce. Herein, we reviewed the contribution of the European Prospective Investigation into
Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study to the current state of the art on the role of these factors in
cancer mortality. We identified 45 studies using a rapid systematic review methodology. Dietary factors associated with reduced
cancer mortality included raw vegetable intake; dietary fiber intake; the
Mediterranean diet; other dietary scores; other diet patterns including low meat eaters, vegetarians/vegans, or fish eaters; dietary intake (or
biomarkers) of some
vitamins (e.g.,
vitamin D,
vitamin K2, or
Vitamin C); and intake of
lignans. Physical activity and following healthy lifestyle recommendations also reduced
cancer mortality risk. In contrast, dietary factors associated with higher
cancer mortality risk included poor diet quality, consumption of alcohol and soft drinks including juice, and, to a lesser extent, intake of some
fatty acids. Excess weight and
obesity also increased the risk of
cancer mortality. The EPIC study holds valuable information on diet and lifestyle factors and offers a unique opportunity to identify key diet-related factors for
cancer mortality prevention.