High-fibre diet cuts cancer

A high-fibre diet can slash the risk of developing deadly cancers by as much as 40 per cent, say scientists.

Results from the biggest study into diet and cancer, involving 400,000 people from nine countries, were presented last month at an international conference in France.

They showed fibre was particularly important in reducing cancer of the colon and rectum.

Professor Sheila Bingham, of the Dunn Human Nutrition Unit at Cambridge University, said in London: "These are the first positive results for the benefits of fibre from such a large group. We placed 400,000 people on the study into five sets according to their consumption of fibre.

"The group eating the most fibre reduced their risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 40 per cent."

The findings were part of the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation of Cancer and Nutrition) reported at the European Conference on Nutrition and Care in Lyons.

Medical experts believe up to 30 per cent of all cancers in the developed world are associated with nutrition and could be avoided by better diet.

The EPIC study, which began 15 years ago, also showed a lower chance of colon cancer in people eating lots of fish, but a raised risk in those consuming large amounts of preserved meats such as ham, bacon and salami.

People are advised to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day to achieve optimum health and avoid cancer.

Professor Nick Day said the landmark study should set the record straight on diet and cancer.

"There have been reports recently that appear to suggest fruit and vegetable consumption isn't important in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. This wide-ranging study is likely to give us a much truer picture."

The EPIC study also showed that people who smoke a packet of cigarettes a day and drink more than a bottle of wine are 50 times more likely to suffer from throat cancers.

Eating poultry did not increase the risk of cancer and might have a protective effect, said the report.

Professor Gordon McVie, director-general of the Cancer Research Campaign, said: "These findings ... put fibre firmly back on the menu as an important part of a healthy diet."

- REUTERS