Study Finds No Colon Cancer Benefits from Fiber

A new study has found no evidence that consuming large amounts of high-fiber foods does anything to reduce the risk of colon cancer. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, contradicts years of dietary dogma.

In the 16-year study, scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School tracked the colon and rectal health of 88,757 nurses. From 1980 to 1996, 787 of the participants developed cancer of either the colon or the rectum. No matter how much fiber the participants ate, the risk remained the same. According to the researchers, this contrasts the theory that fiber helps clear the colon of cancer-causing substances.

"Our study found that reducing the risk of colorectal cancer is not a benefit, even among participants who consistently consumed high levels of fiber," said Dr. Charles Fuchs, lead author of the study.

Fuchs is quick to point out, however, that fiber's benefits in protecting against high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and in controlling obesity are undeniable.

"If people are taking fiber for any of those reasons, then keep doing it." said Fuchs. "If the primary concern is to prevent colon cancer, then I wouldn't try fiber."

Michael Thun, M.D., head of epidemiological research for the American Cancer Society, found the results of the new study surprising, but doubts that ACS will change its dietary tune. Fiber-rich foods hold important nutrients that appear to help prevent other cancers, such as those of the mouth, throat, stomach and lungs