Fibre linked to lower breast cancer risk

January 31, 2007 in Cancer Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News, Women's Health

Fibre linked to lower breast cancer risk

New findings from British researchers suggest that a high fibre intake of 30 grams or more per day is associated with a 52 percent lower risk of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women.

The study of over 35,000 women between 35 and 69 years of age, had participants record dietary intake using a 217 food item food frequency questionnaire.

Researchers found that women who had an average daily fibre intake of 30 grams or more per day had a 52 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer, compared to women with a fibre intake of 20 grams or less per day.

A strong relationship was seen between consumption of cereal and fruit fibres and a lower risk of breast cancer risk.

Women who consumed 13 grams or more of cereal fibre per day had a 41 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer, compared to women who only consumed four grams or less of the fibre per day.

As for fruit fibre, women who consumed 6 grams or more of fruit fibre had a 29 percent lower risk of breast cancer, compared to women who consumed 2 grams or less per day.

Despite the encouraging findings for pre-menopausal women, no protective effect was seen for post-menopausal women. The findings were published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

The current recommended daily intake of fibre for women is 25 grams.  To boost your intake of cereal fibre, choose breakfast cereals with at least 5 grams of fibre per serving. For an added fibre boost, mix in 1/2 cup of 100% bran cereal (12 to 14 grams of additional fibre).

For more information on breast cancer, please visit the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation website.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.