New report states: Whole grains - one of few food groups strongest associated with decreased cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide, and the number of cancer cases increases - yet around 40 percent is preventable. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) previously presented an updated report on diet, nutrition, physical activity and colorectal cancer. This was the first time that whole grain foods were independently linked to a lower colorectal cancer risk in the WCRF/AICR report.

Now WCRF and AICR presents a report for all types of cancer, The Third Expert Report 'Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective. The report brings together the very latest research in the area and reviews decades of evidence about how diet and exercise affects cancer risk. The report presents "the most reliable cancer prevention advice currently available".

Several food groups were associated with a 'limited suggestive decreased risk' of different cancers. Whole grains and foods containing dietary fibre were among only few other food groups considered to be associated with a 'probable decreased risk' (of colorectal cancer for wholegrains/fibre) - the second strongest grading possible. Read more in the infografic matrix 'Summary of conclusions'.