Eating fish three times a week reduces the risk of bowel cancer, according to a study

• A new study suggests eating three or more servings of fish a week, which reduces the risk of cancer of the intestines.
• The research, conducted by Oxford University and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has examined nearly 500,000 people over the past 15 years.
• The study found that consumption of any type of fish about 3 times a week resulted in a 12% decrease in the risk of bowel cancer compared to those who consumed about a half a week.
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New research suggests eating at least three servings of fish a week.

Researchers from Oxford University and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) examined the dietary habits of 476,160 people who completed a questionnaire on the frequency of consumption of certain foods.

The surveys included details of participants' fish consumption, including white, fatty, fatty and lean fish.

The results showed that consumption of 359.1 g of fish per week resulted in a 12% decrease in the risk of intestinal cancer compared to a consumption of less than 63.49 g per week.

Meanwhile, people who consume only 123.9 g of fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, have a risk of bowel cancer reduced by 10%. A typical portion of fish is about 100g.

The researchers concluded: "Fish consumption appears to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and should be encouraged as part of a healthy diet."

The team reported that fatty and fatty fish were an extremely rich source of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), which would have a protective effect on the body and prevent inflammation. Non-fat fish also contains these particular fatty acid compounds.

However, shellfish did not seem to have any effect on the risk of cancer of the intestines.

Over the next 15 years, 6,291 people involved in the study have developed bowel cancer.

Read more: 9 of the healthiest fish to eat, according to a nutritionist

The study was published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology and was funded by the Global Fund for Cancer Research (WCRF) to strengthen its public guidance on bowel cancer.

Dr. Marc Gunter, IARC Senior Researcher, said the results demonstrate that fish consumption should be encouraged as part of a healthy diet.

However, Gunter pointed out that one of the consequences of the study was that dietary data collected from participants did not include information on the consumption of fish oil supplements.

"This unmeasured supplementation in fish oil may also have an effect on bowel cancer, so additional studies will be needed to determine whether fish or fish oil affects the risk of cancer." the intestine, "said Gunter.

Previous WCRF research has revealed only limited evidence of a possible link between fish consumption and the risk of bowel cancer.

Anna Diaz Font, head of research funding at WCRF, said: "This extensive study complements the scientific evidence suggesting that fish consumption could reduce the risk of bowel cancer."

It is further explained that, even though the biological reasons for potentially reducing fish consumption are not well understood, one of the theories includes "specific fatty acids such as omega-3s, found almost exclusively in fish. , being responsible for this protective effect their anti-inflammatory properties ".

Lisa Wilde, Director of Research and External Relations at Bowel Cancer UK, welcomed the study, but called for further research.

"Making simple changes in your lifestyle can help you cope with colon cancer," said Wilde.

"Including whole grains, fiber and fish in your diet, having a healthy weight, doing regular physical activity, avoiding processed meats and limiting red meat can all make a real difference."

Bowel cancer is the fourth most important cancer in the UK and the second highest death rate of all cancers.

According to Bowel Cancer UK, about 42,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year.

This equates to about 115 new cases of bowel cancer each day.

The symptoms of bowel cancer may include a change in your bowel habits, blood in the stool, weight loss, pain in the abdomen or back, fatigue and feeling of duty force your back, even after going to the bathroom, Cancer Research UK outline.