Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

07:35
Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Prevalence by Stool DNA Integrity Detection
Published on: June 8, 2020
Fibre and colorectal cancer: a controversial question
1Hospital Son Dureta, Servi de Digestiu, Andrea Doria 55, E-07014 Palma, Mallorca, Spain. obrador@hsd.es
The British Journal of Nutrition
|August 23, 2006
Summary
Dietary fiber likely protects against colorectal cancer, despite mixed results from human trials. Animal studies and epidemiological data support fiber
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- The hypothesis that dietary fiber protects against colorectal cancer (CRC) emerged in the 1970s.
- Epidemiological studies generally support a beneficial role of dietary fiber in CRC prevention.
- Some intervention trials have yielded inconclusive results regarding fiber's effect on adenomatous colorectal polyps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific literature on the controversial role of dietary fiber in colorectal cancer prevention.
- To synthesize evidence from epidemiological studies, intervention trials, and animal experiments.
- To provide recommendations regarding dietary fiber intake for CRC prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies (correlation, case-control, cohort).
- Analysis of human intervention trial data.
- Examination of animal experimental studies.
- Synthesis of existing scientific contributions on the topic.
Main Results:
- Epidemiological evidence consistently suggests a protective effect of dietary fiber against colorectal cancer.
- Intervention studies have not uniformly confirmed this preventive role concerning adenomatous polyps.
- Animal studies provide experimental support for fiber's role in CRC prevention.
Conclusions:
- Despite conflicting results from human intervention trials, the overall evidence suggests dietary fiber is important for colorectal cancer prevention.
- Continued encouragement of increased daily fiber consumption is recommended due to its probable role in CRC prevention and other health benefits.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and optimal intake levels.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...

