Stay away from bacon and processed meat completely

EATING processed meat, including ham and bacon, is such a risk factor for bowel cancer that people should avoid it completely, a panel has found.

Waistline is another key health indicator of cancer risk. Men with an abdominal girth of 37 inches and over and women with 31.5 inches are at risk.

The panel recommended consuming less than 500 grammes, or 18 ounces, of cooked red meat per week, and avoiding processed meat altogether.