Less than a third of Britons are aware of cancer risk from red meat

London, June 15 (ANI): A survey has revealed that less than a third of British people are aware of the cancer risk posed by red meat.

Marilyn Gentry, chief executive of the World Cancer Research Fund, says that eating too much bacon, sausage or ham can significantly increase the likelihood of developing cancer.

Although it is not clear as to why red meat increase the risk of death, the researchers believe that compounds produced during high-temperature cooking, or the preservatives in meat might make people prone to cancer.

"It is a concern if over two-thirds of people are not aware of the link because the evidence is very strong," the Daily Express quoted Gentry as saying.

"This is why advice from 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," she added.

The scientists believe that around a third of cancers could be prevented by eating healthily, taking regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. (ANI)