Diet is the key to helping prevent bowel cancer
6 June 2003
New research has found that doubling the consumption of cereals, fruit and vegetables among people eating a low fibre diet (as reported in a dietary questionnaire) can almost halve the risk of bowel cancer.
The study, published in The Lancet (2003; 361: 1496-1501), also found that if other lifestyle changes were made in addition to increasing fibre in the diet, such as eating less fat, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, then the potential for bowel cancer prevention was increased further.
The study involved more than 500,000 people in 10 European countries and showed that two-thirds to three-quarters of bowel cancer cases might be preventable.
Bowel cancer is the 2nd most common form of cancer in men and women in Australia, claiming the lives of about 5,000 people each year.
The risk of bowel cancer increases from the age of 40 and rises sharply from the age of 50. On the eve of National Bowel Cancer Awareness Week (16-20 June 2003) this new research highlights the potential to prevent many deaths from bowel cancer through simple changes in diet.
Last Reviewed: 10 June 2003
