Meta-analysis of prospective studies shows reduced risk for highest versus lowest total fiber intake
MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — High total fiber consumption is associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer, according to a review and meta-analysis published online April 6 in Cancer.
Maryam S. Farvid, Ph.D., from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues conducted a systematic review of prospective studies that reported on the association between fiber consumption and incident breast cancer. Data were included for 17 cohort trials, two nested case-control trials, and one clinical trial.
The researchers found that when comparing the risk for the highest versus the lowest category, total fiber consumption was associated with a lower risk for breast cancer (pooled relative risk, 0.92; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.88 to 0.95). There was a significant inverse association for soluble fiber with the risk for breast cancer (pooled relative risk, 0.90; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.84 to 0.96); a suggestive inverse association was seen for insoluble fiber (pooled relative risk, 0.93; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.86 to 1.00). Lower risks for both premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancers were seen in association with higher total fiber intake (pooled related risks, 0.82 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.99] and 0.91 [95 percent confidence interval, 0.88 to 0.95]).
“The current study findings support the American Cancer Society dietary guidelines to consume foods rich in total fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,” the authors write.
One author disclosed financial ties to Arla foods.
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