We are all familiar with the benefits of fiber intake in children and teens for helping to prevent constipation but what about the role of fiber in protecting young women from an increased risk of breast cancer as adults ? Farvid et al. (10.1542/peds.2015-1226) reported in a recently released study in our journal on a longitudinal cohort of premenopausal women followed for their diet as per survey questionnaires and then tracked for breast cancer occurrence over time. The findings are quite stark and show a reduced risk of breast cancer with higher intakes of soluble as well as insoluble fiber. What might be the mechanism for this reduced risk? The authors provide some explanation as do Drs. Harnden and Blackwell in an accompanying commentary (10.1542/peds.2015-4376) that is well worth your time and attention.
Do you ever ask about fiber content in the diets of your older children and teens? If you don’t, this article may prompt you to do so—at least in your female patients. Reading this interesting study and commentary are a must if you want to insure that with a good fiber diet, everything comes out fine in the end.
