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 Press releases & statements |
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| Cancer warning on daily fry-up |
August 26, 2008
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People who eat a fry-up every day could be almost two thirds more likely to develop bowel cancer, according to a cancer prevention charity.
World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is warning that eating 150g of processed meat a day – the equivalent of about two sausages and three rashers of bacon –increases bowel cancer risk by 63 per cent.
Because of this, people who eat daily fry-ups are being urged to think about reducing the amount of processed meat in their diet. In fact, the evidence that processed meat is a cause of bowel cancer is so strong that WCRF recommends that people should avoid eating it.
But while the scientific evidence is convincing, a recent survey showed revealed just 34 per cent of Britons are aware of the link.
Professor Martin Wiseman, Medical and Scientific Adviser for WCRF, said: “ For some people, having a fry-up with bacon and sausages might seem like a good way to start the day. But if you are doing this regularly then you are significantly increasing your risk of bowel cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
“But if only a third of people are aware of the link between processed meat and cancer then this means that two thirds of people are not in a position to make an informed choice about how much of it they eat.
"This is not a question of all or nothing because the more processed meat you eat, the greater your risk. For example, if you eat 150g of it a day then you will be increasing your bowel cancer risk by about two thirds. But if you only eat 50g a day - roughly the equivalent of a sausage - then you will be increasing your risk by about a fifth."
“This is why we need to work hard to get across the message that reducing the amount of processed meat in your diet is something positive you can do to reduce your cancer risk.
“In fact, scientists estimate about a third of cancers could be prevented by eating healthily, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.”
People can download WCRF’s publication explaining the link between processed and red meat and bowel cancer at www.wcrf-uk.org/publications
ENDS
For more information contact Richard Evans on 020 7343 4253.
Notes to editors
Processed meat is any meat preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by adding preservatives. This includes ham, bacon, pastrami and salami, as well as hot dogs and some sausages. Burgers and minced meats only count as processed meat if they have been preserved with salt or chemical preservatives.
When meat is preserved, cancer-forming substances called carcinogens can be formed. These substances can damage cells in the body, leading to the development of cancer.
As well as processed meat, there is also convincing evidence red meat is a cause of bowel cancer and WCRF recommends limiting consumption of red meat to 500g (cooked weight) per week. Red meat includes things like beef, pork and lamb.
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. |
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WCRF UK, 19 Harley Street, London W1G 9QJ - Tel: 020 7343 4200 - Fax: 020 7343 4201 - wcrf@wcrf.org
Registered Charity No. 1000739
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