The over-simplification of this study and its results leads to confusion among the public. Media reporters and readers of articles and newspapers must recognize that single studies such as this are but one of a vast array of investigations that have been undertaken and published. Since each study may examine a different population group and the outcomes evaluated may be diverse, it is not surprising that results may vary in a field as complex as the role of dietary fiber in human health. Epidemiologic studies use a very crude assessment of human dietary fiber intake. These studies cannot take into account the fact that fiber from every fruit, vegetable, legume, or whole grain is different and has unique properties.
Most epidemiologic studies treat fiber from all sources as being the same.
Many of these investigations are not capable of assessing the specific roles that each type of fiber from different sources may have on colon cancer risk. We need more studies where groups of individuals at risk for colon cancer are provided different types of foods containing fiber in order to determine if a change in dietary fiber will reduce risk. Most importantly, the majority of recent news reports did not mention many other potential benefits of a diet rich in foods containing fiber. For example, high-fiber diets are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, both very common in our society. For example, some recent news reports have focused upon certain foods as being potentially beneficial in the prevention of cancer based upon single human or laboratory animal studies.