4 in 5 Brits Fail to Eat 5-a-day, Increasing Cancer Risk

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A survey has revealed that only 1 in 5 Brits eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

The poll, which was carried out for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), revealed that most people are missing the daily target, increasing their risk of certain forms of cancer, including oral cancer and cancers linked to obesity, including breast, kidney and liver cancer.

The 5-a-day campaign was launched by the government in 2003 but the WCRF claimed that most adults are still falling short, with low income households consuming the lowest numbers of portions of fruit and vegetables. Figures suggested that only 17 percent of low-income households take in the recommended five portions, in comparison to 27 percent for higher income households.

The WCRF is now urging members of the public to aim for one more portion per day to try and reduce the risk of cancer. Diet is a major risk factor for cancer, along with other lifestyle factors, such as drinking, smoking and sexual health.

The WCRF is hosting ‘Fruity Friday’, an event to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy diet, as part of Cancer Prevention Week, which takes place later this month.

The five a day campaign was launched to try and encourage people to eat a wide range of fruits and vegetables and to include more healthy foods in their daily diet. In addition to whole items of fruit and portions of vegetables, sauces, soups, juices and smoothies also count towards the 5 a day.

 

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