Colon cancer study

One study has found that high intake of fruits and vegetables doesn't seem to protect against colon cancer. From WebMD:
"People in the highest vs. lowest intake of fruits and vegetables had a 9 percent lower risk of colon cancer overall, but it did not reach statistical significance," McCullough says. When the researchers evaluated the association by site of the cancer, they found those who ate the highest amounts had a 26 percent reduced risk of distal colon cancers. "For proximal colon cancer (the rest of the colon) there was no association," Koushik says. "Even though we saw this [positive] association with distal colon cancer [risk], the differences between distal and proximal were not statistically significant."

TK: Lord help any of us if we get the grim news of colon cancer. I still feel better about what I am doing to my body by eating an apple than a Twinkie. While the halo effect of fresh produce may or may not descend to all parts of my being, this study won't take away the conviction that it does.

PBH releases this statement: From Elizabeth Pivonka:

"While the findings of this study suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may not ward off colon cancer, the overall health benefits of a diet high in fruits and vegetables are indisputable. As National Cancer Institute scientists also point out, people who consume generous amounts of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer including lung, oral, esophageal, and stomach. Also, as part of a healthy diet, eating fruits and vegetables instead of high-fat foods may make it easier for people to control their weight."