Dietary fiber and the risk of precancerous lesions and cancer of the esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Dietary fiber has several anticarcinogenic effects and is thought to be protective against esophageal cancer. The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the association between dietary fiber and the risk of esophageal cancer by investigating histological subtypes of esophageal cancer and the stage at which fiber may influence the carcinogenic pathway. Systematic search strategies were used to identify relevant studies, and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were combined using random-effects meta-analyses to assess the risk of cancer when comparing extreme categories of fiber intake. Ten relevant case-control studies were identified within the timeframe searched. Pooled estimates from eight studies of esophageal adenocarcinoma revealed a significant inverse association with the highest fiber intakes (OR 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.98). Two studies also identified protective effects of dietary fiber against Barrett's esophagus. Similar, though nonsignificant, associations were observed when results from five studies of fiber intake and risk of squamous cell carcinoma were combined (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.31-1.20). Dietary fiber is associated with protective effects against esophageal carcinogenesis, most notably esophageal adenocarcinoma. Potential methods of action include modification of gastroesophageal reflux and/or weight control.

Dietary fibre in Europe: current state of knowledge on definitions, sources, recommendations, intakes and relationships to health

“…Dietary fibre has been suggested as a potentially protective dietary component with regard to cancer of the oesophagus due to its likely role in the prevention of obesity and amelioration of symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Coleman et al (68) undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between dietary fibre and the risk of precancerous lesions and cancer of the oesophagus. Using eight case-control studies, the pooled estimate of risk indicated a significant inverse association with the highest TDF intakes (OR 0·66).…”

Adherence to WCRF/AICR lifestyle recommendations for cancer prevention and the risk of Barrett’s esophagus onset and evolution to esophageal adenocarcinoma: results from a pilot study in a high-risk population

“…Our results suggest also that an at least moderate consumption of unrefined cereals or pulses (and thus of dietary fibers) may have a protective effect on BE development. Dietary fibers may exert their protective influence on BE development by reducing gastroesophageal reflux and countering insulin resistance [37,[40][41][42][43]. A protective role for fiber consumption and a causative role for excessive consumption of refined cereals have been revealed by the study by Romaguera et al as well [16].…”

Erzurum yöresi 2002-2004 ve 2010-2012 yıllarında saptanan özofagus kanserlerinin karşılaştırılması

“…Fiber diyetinin antikanserojenik pek çok özelliği olup özofagus kanserinde özellikle adenokanserde koruyucu olduğu düşünülmektedir. GÖRH ve/veya kilo kontrolünün koruyucu olabileceği bildirilmiştir (16). Batıda her ne kadar obezite, reflü artışı dolaysıyla da adenokanser artışı bildirilirse de bizim çalışmamızda bir önceki dekatta adenokanserin iki kat daha sık saptanması bu trendin bölge için geçerli olmadığını düşündürmüştür.…”