Gutsy effort to fight off cancer

BOWEL cancer can strike even the most healthy but nearly half of cases could be prevented by lifestyle changes, say doctors.

Of the 42,000 people diagnosed each year, 95 per cent are over 50.

Risk factors include being overweight, smoking, drinking too much booze and having type 2 diabetes.

Here are our top tips for helping you reduce the odds of getting the deadly disease.

Carbs might be a dirty word if you are trying to lose weight but experts reckon the fibre can help speed up how quickly food moves through your system.

It is best to stick to wholegrain varieties – brown bread, rice and pasta – or wholewheat couscous or quinoa.

These foods also have anti-inflammatory properties that further helps your gut and are a great source of vitamin E.

Fruit and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, not least because they are another top source of fibre.

Studies have shown that a high intake of vitamin C can help reduce your risk of bowel cancer. So stock up on oranges and other citrus fruits, plus peppers, berries and kiwis. processed meat. It recommends eating less than 500g of red meat a week. Processed meats, such as bacon, ham and salami, put you at even greater risk. The World Cancer Research Foundation says you should try swapping your beef mince for turkey or veggie Quorn alternatives and put chicken instead of ham in your sarnies. vitamin D, which also helps keep cancer in check.