High fibre diet reduces colorectal cancer risk

Scientists have found that eating a diet that contains fibre from whole grains and cereal could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

New evidence compiled by World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research's Continuous Update Project (CUP) and published in the British Medical Journal suggested that adding more whole grain breads and cereals, oatmeal, brown rice and porridge to a diet could significantly cut colorectal cancer risk, as well as having known benefits to protect against cardiovascular disease.

The team found that, compared to the lowest levels of fibre intake, each 10g/day increase in consumption correlated with a ten per cent reduction in colorectal cancer risk, while increasing intake by 90g/day cut the risk by a fifth.

However, no evidence was found to suggest that fruit and vegetable fibre had the same effect, but it is thought that the potential role of components other than fibre in fruit and vegetables may help combat cancer risk.

Posted by Neil Clark