Diet & Cancer - Links
Experts now reckon that around one third of all cancer deaths are caused by unhealthy diets, being overweight or obese, or drinking too much alcohol. Our diet influences our risk of many cancers, including cancers of the bowel, stomach, mouth, foodpipe and breast.
The link between diet and cancer is complex and difficult to unravel. Our diet is made up of lots of different foods and nutrients. Many of these affect our risk of cancer, often in combination with one another. The genes you inherit also affect the way diet influences your cancer risk.
We know a balanced diet will help to keep a healthy bodyweight, which can reduce the risk of many cancers. Following these recommendations for a balanced diet will help to reduce risk of cancer: |
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Eat at least five different portions of fruit and vegetables a day. They are an excellent source of fibre and vitamins.
Eat plenty of starchy foods like bread, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes.
Boost the fibre in your diet by choosing wholegrain varieties of starchy foods whenever possible.
Eat smaller and fewer portions of red and processed meat.
Try to eat more fish instead. When poached or baked, it is particularly good for you.
Be cautious with supplements - they do not substitute for a healthy, balanced diet.
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