Diet: the key to helping prevent bowel cancer

New research has shown that doubling the consumption of cereals, fruit and vegetables can almost halve the risk of bowel cancer amongst people who have a low fibre diet .

As the most common form of cancer in Australia , bowel cancer claims the lives of more than 5,000 men and women each year. This new research shows many of these deaths can be prevented through simple diet changes. The study, the largest of its kind, involved more than 500,000 people in ten European countries, including Britain. The results highlighted that a diet based on fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals, including oats, can play a major role in the prevention of bowel cancer*. Further to this, if diet and lifestyle changes are made including eating less fat, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight, then the potential for prevention is even greater.These new research findings are particularly important as it has been estimated that potentially two-thirds to three-quarters of bowel cancer cases might be preventable . According to Professor Terry D. Bolin, President of the Gut Foundation, “Bowel cancer, which refers to cancer of the colon or rectum, is more prevalent in people who have high fat, low fibre diets, particularly those in developed countries such as Australia and the US. This new research affirms this, by showing that those who ate the most fibre-rich foods had the lowest incidence of bowel cancer.It is therefore essential that all Australians look to increase the consumption of fibre in their diets to help prevent bowel cancer.Oats are one of the richest sources of fibre, making them one of the most highly nutritious wholegrains. In fact, research has shown that regular consumption of oats and oat bran can contribute to good bowel health and has the potential to reduce the risk of bowel cancer .”The risk of bowel cancer starts at the age of 40 and doubles each decade over the age of 50. As Australia’s population is ageing, with 12 per cent currently aged 65 years and over , it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that a healthy diet and good nutrition start at a young age and are maintained throughout life to sustain good bowel health. (Source: Professor Bolin)