Colorectal Cancer Health Center

High-Fiber Diet Linked to Lower Colon Cancer Risk

Second Opinion

"There are a few things that are important for people to understand here," says Lona Sandon, MEd, RD, assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

She reviewed the findings for WebMD but was not involved in the study. "Colon cancer does not happen overnight," she says. It can take many years to develop. "So starting to eat whole grains in your 50s may not prevent colon cancer in your 60s."

"A poor diet is not the only reason colon cancer might develop, although it may encourage its growth and spread," she says. Other triggers for colon cancer, she says, include chronic inflammation, such as having inflammatory bowel disease.

"This does not prove cause and effect," she says of the study.

Even with the caveats, however, Sandon says the message is simple: "Eat more whole grains." While not all the answers are in on how they might reduce colorectal cancer risk, they and other sources of fiber have other health benefits.

Among them:

• Better cholesterol levels
• Better blood sugar levels
• Less constipation