Cancer is fiendishly difficult to fight because cancerous cells often spread and multiply before they are detected. The best defence against cancer is to reduce your risk of developing it in the first place. Certain dietary decisions have been shown to increase your risk of cancer.
The link between diet and cancer is complex and inconclusive but “we know for definite that processed meat is a cause of cancer”, says Cancer Research UK.
Processed meat includes ham, bacon, salami, and sausages.
According to Cancer Research UK, red meat is classed as a probable cause of cancer.
“This means there is lots of good evidence of a link, but we need a few more of the best quality studies to be certain.”
READ MORE: Bowel cancer: The ‘feeling’ after passing faeces that can signal the deadly disease
The UK Government recommends that people eating more than 90g of red and processed meat a day should reduce it to 70g or less. 70g is the cooked weight.
The study also linked alcohol to a higher risk of bowel cancer: just a half pint of beer per day increased bowel cancer risk by eight percent.
The study also generated some positive insights.
A number of foods were associated with a lower risk of bowel cancer, including high-fibre items such as bread and breakfast cereals.
Cancer – symptoms to spot
It’s important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms.
As the NHS explains, although it’s unlikely to be cancer, it’s important to speak to a GP so they can investigate. Finding cancer early means it’s easier to treat.
Speak to a GP if you’ve noticed these changes and it’s lasted for three weeks or more:
- Tummy discomfort
- Blood in your poo
- Diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
- A feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
- Pain in your stomach or back passage (anus).
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