Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract.
Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon.
In general, colon cancer begins when healthy cells in the colon develop changes (mutations) in their DNA.
A cell’s DNA contains a set of instructions that tell a cell what to do. Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally.
Recent research at Imperial College London has found that eating a high-fiber diet is linked with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
Researchers analyzed 25 different studies. They found total fiber intake, as well as fiber from whole grains and from cereals, was most strongly linked with a reduction in colorectal cancer risk.
The evidence was weaker for fiber from fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Overall, the team found a 10% risk reduction in colorectal cancer for every 10 grams of fiber eaten a day. However, the more fiber people ate, the more risk reduction was found.
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The mechanism of dietary fiber may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer by increasing stool bulk, diluting fecal carcinogens, and decreasing transit time, thus reducing the contact between carcinogens and the lining of the colorectum.
The report is published in the online edition of BMJ. One author is researcher Dagfinn Aune.
For more information about the best diet for colon cancer prevention, please check this video:
If you care about colon cancer, please read studies about 3 things that can increase risk of colon cancer, and findings of drug that could lower death risk in colon cancer.
For more information about colon health, please see recent studies about how to protect yourself from colon cancer, and results showing this vitamin level in the body linked to colon cancer risk.
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