In a new review study, researchers found that consuming a diet high in fiber was linked with a reduced incidence of breast cancer.
The research was conducted by a team at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Previous studies have generated inconsistent results regarding the potential relationship between fiber intake and breast cancer.
In the study, the team searched for all relevant prospective studies published through July 2019.
When the team pooled data from the 20 observational studies they identified, they found people with the highest consumption of fiber had an 8% lower risk of breast cancer.
The soluble fiber was linked to lower risks of breast cancer, and higher total fiber intake was associated with a lower risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
The study contributes to the evidence that lifestyle factors, such as modifiable dietary practices, may affect breast cancer risk.
The findings provide research evidence supporting the American Cancer Society’s dietary guidelines, emphasizing the importance of a diet rich in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Importantly, the findings do not demonstrate that dietary fiber directly reduces breast cancer risk, and a randomized clinical trial is needed to test such cause and effect.
The lead author of the study is Maryam Farvid, Ph.D.
The study is published in Cancer.
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