Dietary Intakes of Omega-3, Omega-6 and Fiber and Risk of Rectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Rectal cancer (RC) is a significant health concern in Iran.
• Dietary factors, including Omega-3 (ω-3), Omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids, and fiber, are hypothesized to influence RC risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between dietary intake of ω-3, ω-6, and fiber and the risk of developing rectal cancer.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 363 participants (162 RC cases, 201 controls) aged 20-80.
• Dietary intake of ω-3 and ω-6 was assessed using a 148-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).
• Logistic regression models were employed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• Dietary fiber intake demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association with RC risk (OR=0.3; 95%CI=0.1-0.9; P=0.038), suggesting a protective effect.
• A borderline inverse association was observed between ω-3 intake and RC risk (OR=0.5; 95%CI=0.3-1.02; P=0.060) after adjustments.
• No statistically significant association was found between ω-6 intake and RC risk (OR=1.1; 95%CI=0.7-1.8; P=0.730).

Conclusions:

• Adequate dietary fiber intake may play a protective role in mitigating rectal cancer risk.
• Current findings do not support a significant association between ω-3 and ω-6 intake and rectal cancer risk.