High Fibre Diet May Help Thwart Colon Cancer

FRIDAY, Nov. 11 (HealthDay News) — Eating a high-fiber diet may reduce
your risk of colorectal cancer, especially if the fiber is from cereal and
whole grains, according to a new review.

British and Dutch researchers analyzed 25 studies that included a total
of nearly 2 million people. Compared with the lowest levels of fiber
consumption, each 10 gram per day increase in intake of total dietary
fiber and cereal fibre was associated with a 10 percent reduced risk of
colorectal cancer.

Consuming 90 grams more a day (three servings, or three and one-quarter
ounces) of whole grains was associated with about a 20 percent lower
risk.

The review did not find significant evidence of a link between fruit or
vegetable fibre and colorectal cancer risk.

A previous analysis did find that a high intake of fruit and vegetables
was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, which suggests
that components other than fiber in fruits and vegetables may play a role,
the researchers said.

The study appears online Nov. 11 in BMJ.

“In summary, our meta-analysis suggests that a high intake of dietary
fibre, particularly from cereal and whole grains, is associated with a
reduced risk of colorectal cancer,” the researchers wrote in a journal
news release.

They also noted that a high-fibre diet may reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, overweight, obesity and possibly
overall risk of death.

One expert said there may be a physiological basis for the anti-cancer
benefit of a high-fibre diet.

“This study highlights the importance of a diet rich in fibre,” said
Dr. Anthony Starpoli, a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New
York City. “We know that soluble is most helpful in improving colon
transit times. As the contents of the colon move at a better rate, there
is thought to be less toxic exposure to the interior of the colon thereby
reducing risk of developing colon cancer,” he explained.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with 1.2
million new cases diagnosed each year, the news release noted.

The findings provide more evidence of the many health benefits of whole
grains, but further research is needed to learn how this occurs, Anne
Tjonneland, from the Danish Cancer Society, added in an accompanying
editorial.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians outlines how to increase your fibre intake.

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