Processed meat is already linked to bowel cancer, while being overweight or obese is linked to 10 different cancers. The scientists also reported that there was "some evidence that suggests consuming grilled or barbecued meat and fish increases the risk of stomach cancer", while consuming "little or no fruit" may increase the risk. There was also some evidence that eating citrus fruit could decrease the risk. Dr Rachel Thompson, head of research interpretation at the WCRF, said: "This new evidence gives us a clearer picture. "We can now say, for the first time, that drinking alcohol, eating processed meat and being overweight or obese can all increase the risk of developing stomach cancers. "These findings will hopefully help people better understand what increases their risk of cancer so that they can make informed decisions about their lifestyles choices."
Eating processed meat, such as bacon and ham, drinking alcohol daily, and being obese have, for the first time, been strongly linked to stomach cancer, according to a report by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). The report also shows that preserved foods, such as pickled vegetables and salted fish, could increase the likelihood of stomach cancer. "These findings will hopefully help people better understand what increases their risk of cancer so that they can make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices," said WRCF's Dr. Rachel Thompson. Previous research shows that around 80% of the 7,000 UK citizens diagnosed only learn they have stomach cancer once it has already started to spread around the body; stomach cancer accounts for around 5,000 deaths each year in Britain.