Fibre helps protect from breast cancer

Pre-menopausal women who eat 30 or more grams of fibre a day could cut their risk of breast cancer significantly, according to a new study.

The diets and health of over 35,000 women have been followed in the UK Women's Cohort Study since 1995.

For pre-menopausal women the researchers found the higher their fibre intake, the less likely they were to develop breast cancer.

Fibre from cereals in particular, and possibly from fruit, were found to help protect against the development of breast cancer. (The recommendation for NZ women is 28g, and for men 38g, per day.)

For information on ways to include more fibre in your diet see: Keeping regular: Your guide to getting enough fibre

Source: International Journal of Epidemiology Advance Access, published 24 January 2007