Introduction: cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide, representing a major health issue. Mediterranean diet (MD) can have an important role in lowering cancer incidence. Objectives/Methods: we performed a bibliographic review searching for evidence demonstrating the protective role of MD against cancer, and herein discuss our main findings. Results: several studies show evidence on the protective effect of the Mediterranean diet against cancer development. As a lifestyle, MD includes healthy dietary and social habits, and is linked to frequent physical activity. All of this, when sustained over time, has a preventing role on the appearance of cancer. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects of certain products frequently found in the MD are responsible for this protection. Moreover, MD also prevents overweight and obesity, which are also directly related to the development of certain cancer types. Conclusion: there is scientific evidence on the protective role of the Mediterranean diet on cancer prevention.