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High-fiber diets may help prevent colon cancer, according to new results from the Polyp Prevention Trial reported by a recent Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine article. Previous studies yielded ambiguous findings about whether fiber could reduce the recurrence of colon polyps, which are often a first indication of colon cancer and sometimes Celiac disease.

Correlation found between colon cancer prevention and high-fruit-and-vegetable diet

The new report looked at participants who were the most compliant to a high-fruit-and-vegetable diet, finding that the diet reduced their odds of abdominal adhesions as well as polyp recurrence by up to 35 percent and reduced their odds of advanced polyp recurrence almost 50 percent. The 1,905 participants were at least 35 years old and had at least one confirmed colorectal polyp. The test diet limited fat to 20 percent of calories, with 18 grams of fiber and 3.5 servings of fruits and vegetables per 1,000 calories.

In previous studies, plant-based and vegetarian diets have been associated with a much lower incidence of the development of colon polyps and colon cancer. For more information about colon cancer prevention, contact your local gastroenterologist to learn more.