Fiber Intake May Reduce Risk of Laryngeal Cancer

Italian Researchers from the Instituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche in Milan, Italy, have found a strong association between consumption of fiber and reduction in the risk of laryngeal cancer. They also found that consumption of diets rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk in cancer.

Researchers compared the eating habits of 527 laryngeal cancer patients to 1,300 cancer-free hospital patients. Patients who consumed the highest amounts of fiber were 70% less likely to have laryngeal cancer than those who consumed the lowest amounts.

Fiber intake from fruits and vegetables was linked to a lower risk of laryngeal cancer. However, fiber intake from grain sources was not. Researchers believe that this is because most of the grain fiber comes from refined cereals. The amount of starch in these grains could overwhelm any possible protective action of the fiber. A shift in consumption from refined to whole grains should result in protection from grain fiber as well.

It is still not fully understood why fiber intake is associated with a lower risk of laryngeal cancer. However, it is thought that increased fiber intake is a marker for a healthier lifestyle. When people eat more fruits and vegetables, they often reduce their intake of fats, proteins and refined grains.

(Source: Annals of Oncology 2003; 14: 162-167)