Press releases

Less than a third aware of processed meat cancer link

15 June 2009

Less than a third of people in Britain are aware that eating processed meat such as bacon and ham increases risk of cancer, according to a new survey.

The survey of 2,249 people, carried out by YouGov for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), found that just 32 per cent of people thought eating processed meat increases cancer risk, despite convincing evidence that it is a cause of bowel cancer.

Scientists estimate that 10 per cent of bowel cancer cases in the UK could be prevented if everyone ate less than 70g of processed meat a week, which is roughly the equivalent of three rashers of bacon. This is why WCRF recommends people avoid eating processed meat.

Marilyn Gentry, Chief Executive of WCRF, said: “It is a concern if over two thirds of people are not aware of the link between processed meat and cancer because the evidence on this is very strong.

“This is why when it comes to cancer prevention, the advice from scientific experts is that the best amount of processed meat to eat is none at all.

“But if people do not know about the link between bowel cancer and processed meat then they are not in a position to make informed choices. This is why there is still a lot of work to be done to spread the message about how people can reduce their cancer risk.

“It is also important to get across the message that this is not a question of all or nothing. For example, if someone is eating bacon every day and they do not want to give it up completely, they can still make a positive change by phasing it out gradually and eventually just having it as an occasional luxury.”

WCRF has launched a publication on red and processed meat to help raise awareness of the link. People can order a free copy by calling 020 7343 4205 or they can download it at www.wcrf-uk.org

ENDS

For more information contact Richard Evans on 020 7343 4253.

Notes to editors:

• The term “processed meat” refers to meats preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by the addition of preservatives. Examples include ham, bacon, pastrami and salami, as well as hot dogs and some sausages. Hamburgers and minced meats only count as processed meat if they have been preserved with salt or chemical additives.
• As well as recommending people avoid processed meat, WCRF also recommends limiting intake of red meat to 500g (cooked weight) per week. This is because there is also convincing evidence that red meat increases risk of bowel cancer.
• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,249 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th - 22th May 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

back to top

About WCRF

World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) raises awareness that cancer is largely preventable and helps people make choices to reduce their chances of developing the disease.

This includes research into how cancer risk is related to diet, physical activity, and weight management, and education programmes that highlight the fact that about a third of cancers could be prevented through changes to lifestyle. For more information on the charity’s work, visit www.wcrf-uk.org

The WCRF report, called Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, was launched in November 2007 and is the most comprehensive report ever published on the link between cancer and lifestyle. For more information, visit www.dietandcancerreport.org