Lowers risk
Whole grains
oats, brown rice, whole-wheat bread. Grains & legumes.
- Verdict
- Lowers riskStudies link it to lower cancer risk.
- How sure
- Rung 4 · StrongAt least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question.
- How big
- About 18% lower colon cancer risk at the highest intake.
The rung shows how sure the science is, not how big the effect is. How to read these ratings
Cancers affected
Colorectal
What the evidence shows
The World Cancer Research Fund rates the evidence as probable: colon cancer risk was about 18% lower with the highest intake. The American Cancer Society advises plenty of whole grains.
What to do
Swap white bread, rice and pasta for whole-grain versions.
Sources
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.