Fiber may not protect against colon cancer
Results from the Nurses Health Study suggest that a high-fiber diet may not protect against colon cancer. This contrasts with several other studies that have shown reduced risk.
The study involved 88 757 women, who were 34 to 59 years old and had no history of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or familial polyposis. The women completed a dietary questionnaire in 1980. During a 16-year follow-up period, 787 cases of colorectal cancer were documented. In addition, 1012 patients with adenomas of the distal colon and rectum were found among 27 530 participants who underwent endoscopy during the follow-up period.
After adjustment for age, established risk factors, and total energy intake, the researchers found no association between the intake of dietary fiber and the risk of colorectal cancer.
However, researchers emphasize that fiber does have clear health benefits. Plant fiber comes in several different types and it may be that some types are more protective than others.
