The traditional Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of plant foods and a low intake of meat and dairy products. Multiple health benefits have been attributed to compliance with the Mediterranean diet. This thesis investigated the relationship between compliance with the Mediterranean diet and the risk of cancer in the Dutch Cohort study. Based on the results, it can be concluded that compliance with the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer of the lung, breast, oesophagus and stomach in the Netherlands. The majority of these cancers have a relatively poor prognosis, underlining the need for effective prevention measures. However, the current evidence is not yet sufficient to formulate final conclusions on whether the Mediterranean diet reduces cancer risk.