Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Diet, Fibers, and Colon Cancer

  • Chapter
Advances in Nutrition and Cancer 2

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 472))

Abstract

Epidemiological studies of colorectal cancer, particularly studies of time trends, of migrants, and of religious groups, indicate that environmental factors are of overwhelming importance in determining the incidence of the disease in the population. Of the possible environmental factors important in colorectal cancer carcinogenesis, diet has been the focus of attention. Recent advances have shown that genetic constitution is also important in determining susceptibility to the disease. This implies that colorectal cancer can be caused by an interaction between dietary factors and genetic predisposition. Among the dietary components that have been linked to decreased risk of colorectal cancer is the high intake of dietary fibre. The hypothesis of a fibre-depleted aetiology for colorectal cancer was particularly put forward by Burkitt.1 This was based on the careful clinical observations of the difference in patterns of diseases between Western and traditional African societies. He noted the rarity of colorectal cancer in African countries compared to the west and found that African diets were higher in dietary fibre and lower in refined carbohydrates than west European diets. Results from laboratory animal studies and from analytical epidemiological studies provide evidence that a high fibre intake decreases the risk of colorectal cancer. However, some studies have failed to support the theory of a fibre-depleted diet as a causative factor in the aetiology of colorectal cancer. The objective of this review is to present the evidence for and against the protective role of dietary fibre against colorectal cancer.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Burkitt D.P. (1971) Epidemiology of cancer of the colon and rectum. Cancer 28: 3–13.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Trowel H. (1974) Definition of fibre. Lancet 1: 503.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Bauer H.G., Asp N.G., Oste R., Dehlqvist A., and Fredlund P.E. (1979) Effect of dietary fiber on the induction of colorectal tumors and fecal (3-glucuronidase activity in the rat. Cancer Res 39: 3752–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Bauer H.G., Asp N.G., Dahlgvist A., Fredlund P.E., Nyman M., and Oste R. (1981) Effect of two kinds of pectin and guar gum on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine initiation of colon tumors and on fecal 3glucuronidase activity in the rat. Cancer Res 41: 2518–23.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Casteleden W.M. (1977) Prolonged survival and decrease in intestinal tumors in dimethyhydrazinetreated rats fed a chemically defined diet. Br J Cancer 35: 491–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Freeman H.J., Spiller G.A., and Kim Y.S. (1978) A double-blind study on the effect of purified cellulose dietary fiber on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colonic neoplasia. Cancer Res 38: 2912–17.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Jacobs L.R. (1983) Enhancement of rat colon carcinogenesis by wheat bran consumption during the stage of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine administration. Cancer Res 43: 4057–61.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Klurfeld D.M. (1987) The role of dietary fiber in gastrointestinal diseases. J Am Diet Assoc 87: 1172–7

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Reddy B.S., Mori H., and Nicolais N. (1981) Effect of dietary wheat bran an dehydrated citrus fiber on azoxymethane-induced intestinal carcinogenesis in Fischer 344 rats. J Natl cancer Inst 66: 553–7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Watanabe K., Reddy B.S., Weisburger J.H., and Krichevsky D. (1979) Effect of dietary alfalfa, pectin, and wheat bran on azoxymethane or methylnitrosourea-induced colon carcinogenesis in F344 rats. J Natl Cancer Inst 63: 141–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Jacobs L.R. and Lupton J.R. (1986) Relationship between colonic luminal pH, cell proliferation and colon carcinogenesis in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine treated rats fed high fiber diets. Cancer Res 46: 1727–34.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Nigro N.D., Bull A.W., Klopfer B.A., Pak M.S., and Campbell R.L. (1979) Effect of dietary fiber on azoxymethane-induced intestinal carcinogenesis in rats. J Natl Cancer Inst 62: 1097–102.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Prizont R. (1987) Absence of large bowel tumors in rats injected with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and fed high dietary cellulose. Dig Dis Sci 32: 1418–21.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Ward J.M., Yamamoto R.S., and Weisburger J.H. (1973) Cellulose dietary bulk and azoxymethaneinduced intestinal cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 51: 713–15.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Wilpart M. and Roberfroid M. (1987) Intestinal carcinogenesis and dietary fibers: the influence of cellulose or fybogel chronically given after exposure to DMH. Nutr Cancer 10: 39–51.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Barnes D.S., Clapp N.K., Scott D.A., Oberst D.L., and Berry S.S. (1983) Effect of wheat, rice, corn, and soybean bran on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced large bowel tumorigenesis in F344rats. Nutr Cancer 5: 1–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Freeman H.J., Spiller G.A., and Kim Y.S. (1980) A double-blind study on the effect o differing purified cellulose and pectin fiber diets on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colonic neoplasia. Cancer Res 40: 2661–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Reddy B.S., Maeura Y., and Wayman M. (1983) Effect of dietary corn bran and autohydrolyzed lignin on 3,2-dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl-induced intestinal carcinogenesi in male F344 rats. J Natl Cancer Inst 71: 419–23.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Abraham R., Barbolt T.A., and Rodgers J.B. (1980) Inhibition by bran of the colonic cocarcinogenicity of ble salts in rat given dimethyhydrazine. Exp Mol Pathol 33: 133–43.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Barbolt T.A. and Abraham R. (1978) The effect of bran on dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis in the rat. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 157: 656–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Barbolt R.A. and Abraham R. (1980) Dose response, sex difference and the effect of bran in dimethylhydrazine induced intestinal tumorigenesis in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 55: 417–22.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Cruse J.P., Lewin M.R., and Clark C.G. (1978) Failure of bran to protect against experimental colon cancer in rats. Lancet 2: 1278–80.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Fleiszer D., Murray D., Macfarlan J., and Brown R. (1978) Protective effect of dietary fibre against chemically-induced bowel tumours in rats. Lancet 2: 552–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Wilson R.B., Hutcheson D.P., and Widemanf V. (1977) Dimethylhydrazine induced colon tumors in rats fed diets containing beef fat or corn oil with and without wheat bran. Am J Clin Nutr 30: 176–81.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Reddy B.S. and Mori H. (1981) Effect of dietary wheat bran and dehydrated citrus fiber on 3,2dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl-induced intestinal carcinogenesis in F344 rats. Carcinogenesis 2: 21–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Nauss K.M., Locnishar M., Sondergaard D., and Newberne P.M. (1984) Lack of effect of dietary fat on N-nitrosomethyl urea induced colon tumorigenesis in rats. Carcinogenesis 5: 255–60.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Modan B., Barell V., and Lubin F. (1975) Low-fiber intake as an etiologic factor in cancer of the colon. J Natl Cancer Inst 55: 15–18.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Kune S., Kune G.M., and Watson F. (1987) Case-control study of dietary etiological factors: the Melbourne Colorectal Cancer Study. Nutr Cancer 9: 43–56.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Tuyns A.J., Haelterman M., and Kaaks R. (1987) Colorectal cancer and the intake of nutrients: oligosaccharides are a risk factor, fats are not: a case-control study in Belgium. Nutr Cancer 11: 189–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. West D.W., Slattery M.L., Robison L.M., Schuman K.L., Ford M.H., Mahoney A.W., et al. (1989) Dietary intake and colon cancer: sex-and anatomic site-specific associations. Am J Epidemiol 128: 989–99.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Benito E., Stiggelbout A., Bosch F.X., Obrador A., Kaldor J., Mullet M., et al. (1991) Nutritional factors in colorectal cancer risk: a case-control study in Majorca. Int J Cancer 49: 161–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Whittemore A.S., Wu-Williams A H, Lee M., Zheng S., Gallagher R.E, Jiao D.A. et al. (1990) Diet, physical activity, and colorectal cancer among Chinese in North America and China. J Natl Cancer Inst 82: 915–26.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Freudenheim J., Graham S., Marshall J.R., Haughey B.P., and Wilkinson G. (1990) A case-control study of diet and rectal cancer in Western New-York. Am J Epidemiol 131: 612–24.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Young T. and Wolf D.A. (1988) Case-control study of proximal and distal colon cancer and diet in Winconsin. Int J Cancer 42: 167–75.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Bidoli E., Franceschi S., Talamini R., Barra S., and La Vecchia C. (1992) Food consumption and cancer of the colon and rectum in North-Eastern Italy. Int J Cancer 50: 223–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Iscovich J.M., Liabbe K.A., Castelleto R., Calzona A., Bernedo A., Chopita N.A. et al. (1992) Colon cancer in Argentina. I. Risk from intake of dietary items. Int J Cancer 51: 851–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Meyer T. and White E. (1993) Alcohol and nutrients in relation to colon cancer in middle-aged adults. Am J Epidemiol 138: 225–36.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Arbman G., Axelson D., Ericsson-Begodsui A.B., Fredriksson M., Nilsson E., and Sjodahl R. (1992) Cereal fiber, calcium, and colorectal cancer. Cancer 69: 2042–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Dales L.G., Friedman G D., Ury H.K., Grossman S., and Williams S.R., (1979) A case-control study of relationship of diet and other traits to colorectal cancer in American blacks. Am J Epidemiol 109: 132–44.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Miller A.B., Howe G.R., Jain M., Craib K.J.P., and Harrison L. (1983) Food items and food groups as risk factors in a case-control study of diet and colorectal cancer. Int J Cancer 32: 155–61.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Macquart-Moulin G., Riboli E., Comte J., Charnay B., Berthezene P., and Day N. (1986) Case-control study on colorectal cancer and diet in Marseilles. Int J Cancer 38: 183–91.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Peters R.K., Garabrant D.H., and Yu M.C. (1989) A case-control study of occupational and dietary factors in colorectal cancer in youn men by subsite. Cancer Res 49: 5459–68.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Lee H.P., Gourley L., Duffy S.W., Esteve J., Lee J., and Day N. (1989) Colorectal cancer and diet in an Asian population-case-control study among Singapore Chinese. Int J Cancer 43: 1007–16.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Pickle L.W., Greene M.H., and Ziegler R.G. (1984) Colorectal cancer in rural Nebraska. Cancer Res 44: 363–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Bristol J.B., Emmett P.M., and Heaton K.W. (1985) Sugar, fat, and the risk of colorectal cancer. Br Med J 291: 1467–70.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Gerhardsson de Verdier M., Hagman U., Steineck G., Rieger A., and Norell S.E. (1990) Diet, body mass, and colorectal cancer: a case-referent study. Int J Cancer 46: 832–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Faivre J., Boutron M.C., Senesse E, Couillault C., Belghiti C., and Meny B. (1997) Environmental and familial risk factors in relation to the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence: results of a case-control study in Burgundy ( France ). Eur J Cancer Prey 6: 127–31.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Martinez I., Torres R., and Frias Z. (1981) Factors associated with adenocarcinomas of the large bowel in Puerto Rico. Rev Latinoam Oncol Clin 13: 13–20.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Potter J.D. and McMichael A.J. (1986) Diet and cancer of the colon and rectum: a case-control study. J Natl Cancer Inst 76: 557–69.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Howe G.R., Benito E., Castelleto R., Comte J., EstEve J., Gallagher R.P. et al. (1992) Dietary intake of fiber and decreased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum: evidence from the combined analysis of 13 case-control studies. Cancer Causes Control 84: 1887–96.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Trock B., Lanza E., and Greenwald P. (1990) Dietary fiber, vegetables, and colon cancer, critical review and meta-analyses of the epidemiological evidence. J Natl Cancer Inst 82: 650–61.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Morgan J.W., Frazer G.F., Philips R.L., and Andress M.H. (1988) Dietary factors and colon cancer incidence among seventh day adventists. Am J Epidemiol 128: 918 (abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  53. Goldbohm R.A., Van-den-Brandt P.A., Van-t-Veer P., Brants H.A., Dorant E., Sturmans E. et al. (1994) A prospective cohort study on the relation between meat consumption and the risk of colon cancer. Cancer Res 54: 718–23.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Giovannucci E., Rimm E.B., Stampfer M.J., Colditz G.A., Ascherio A., and Willett W.C. (1994) Intake of fat, meat, and fiber in relation to risk of colon cancer in men. Cancer Res 54: 2390–7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Gaard M.,Tretli S., and Loken E.B. (1996) Dietary factos and risk of colon cancer: a prospective study of 50,535 young Norwegian men and women. Eur J Cancer Prey 5: 445–54.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Willet W.C., Stampfer M.J., Colditz G.A., Rosner B.A., and Speizer F.E. (1990) Relation of meat fat and fiber intake to the risk of colon cancer in a prospective study among women. N Engl J Med 323: 1664–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Steinmetz K.A., Kushi L.H., Bostick R.M., Folsom A.R., and Potter J.D. (1994) Vegetables, fruits, and colon cancer in the Iowa womenis health study. Am J Epidemiol 139: 1–15.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Fuchs C.S., Giovanucci E.L., Colditz G.A., Hunter D.J., Stampfer M.J., Rosner B., Speizer F.E., and Willett W.C. (199) Dietary fiber and the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma in women. N Engl J Med 340: 169–76.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Heibrun L., Nomura A., Hankin J., and Stermmermann G.N. (1989) Diet and colorectal cancer with special reference to fiber intake. Int J Cancer 44: 1–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Thun M.J., Calle E.E., Namboodiri M.M., Flanders W.D., Coates R.J., Byers T., et al. (1992) Riks factors for fatal colon cancer in a large prospective study. J Natl Cancer Inst 84: 1491–500.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Hill M.J., Morson B.C., and Bussey H.J.R. (1978) Aetiology of adenoma-carcinoma sequence in the large bowel. Lancet i: 245–7.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Hoff G., Moen E., Trygg K., Frolich W., Sauar J., Vatn M., Gjones E., and Larsen S. (1986) Epidemiology of polyps in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Evaluation of nutritional factors. Scand J Gastroenterol 21: 199–204.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Kune G.A., Kune S., Read A., Mac Gowan K., Penfold C., and Watson L.F. (1991) Colorectal polyps, diet, alcohol, and family history of colorectal cancer: a case-control study. Nutr Cancer 16: 25–30.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Neugut A.I., Garbowski G.C., and Leew C. (1993) Dietary risk factors for the incidence and recurrence of colorectal adenomatous polyps. A case-control study. Ann Intern Med 118: 91–5.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Sandler R.S., Lyles C.M., Peipins L.A., Mc Auliffe C.A., Woosley J.T., and Kupper L.L. (1993) Diet and risk of colorectal adenomas: macronutrients cholesterol and fiber. J Natl Cancer Inst 85: 884–91.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Macquart-Moulin G., Riboli E., Cornee J., Kaas R., and Berthezene P. (1987) Colorectal polyps and diet: a case-control study in Marseilles. Int J Cancer 40: 179–88.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Little J., Logan R.F.A., Hawtin P.G., Hardcastle J.D., and Turner I.D. (1993) Colorectal adenomas and diet: a case-control study of subjects participating in the Nottingham faecal occult blood screening programme. Br J Cancer 67: 177–84.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Giovanucci E., Stampfer M.J., and Colditz G. (1992) Relationship of diet to risk of colorectal cancer adenoma in men. J Natl Cancer Inst 84: 91–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. De Cosse 1J, Miller H.H., and Lesser M.L. (1989) Effect of wheat fiber and vitamin C and E on rectal polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. J Natl Cancer Inst 81: 1290–7.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Mc Keown-Eyssen G., Holloway C., Jazmaji V., Britht-See E., Dion P, and Bruce W.R. (1988) A randomized trial of vitamins C and E in the prevention of recurrence of colorectal polyps. Cancer Res 48: 4701–5.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Mac Lennan R., Macrae F.A., Bain C., Battistutta D., Chapuis P, and Gratten H. (1995) Randomized trial of intake of fat, fiber, and beta carotene to prevent colorectal adenomas. J Natl Cancer Inst 87: 1760–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. Faivre J., Couillault C., Kronborg O., Rath U., Giacosa A., De Oliveira H., Obrador T., OlMorain C., and E.C.P. Colon Group (1997) Chemoprevention of metachronous adenomas of the large bowel: design and interim results of a randomized trial of calcium and fibre. Eur J Cancer Prey 6: 132–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Vargas P.A. and Alberts D.S. (1992) Primary prevention of colorectal cancer through dietary modification. Cancer 70: 1229–35.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Registre des Cancers Digestifs (Equipe Associèe INSERM-DGS, CRI 95-05), Facultè de Mèdecine, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d’Arc, 21033, Dijon Cèdex, France

    Jean Faivre & Claude Bonithon-Kopp

Authors
  1. Jean Faivre
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Claude Bonithon-Kopp
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biochemistry of Macromolecules, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Vincenzo Zappia  & Fulvio Della Ragione  & 

  2. Institute of Clinical Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Alfonso Barbarisi

  3. Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Research Council, Avellino, Italy

    Gian Luigi Russo

  4. National Cancer Institute, Fondazione “Giovanni Pascale”, Naples, Italy

    Rossano Dello Iacovo

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1999 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Faivre, J., Bonithon-Kopp, C. (1999). Diet, Fibers, and Colon Cancer. In: Zappia, V., Della Ragione, F., Barbarisi, A., Russo, G.L., Iacovo, R.D. (eds) Advances in Nutrition and Cancer 2. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 472. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-3230-6_17

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-3230-6_17

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-3331-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-3230-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation