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Cut salt to prevent stomach cancer: Report

Written by: QMI Agency
Jul. 23, 2012

(File Photo)

Stomach cancer rates would go down if more people cut back on the salt, a non-profit organization that funds cancer research says.

According to a report by the World Cancer Research Fund, one in seven cases of stomach cancer in the U.K. alone could be prevented if everyone cut their salt intake to the daily recommended amount — less than six grams, or a teaspoon's worth.

The group estimates that 14% of stomach cancer cases could be avoided through reducing salt intake.

"Stomach cancer is difficult to treat successfully because most cases are not caught until the disease is well-established," spokeswoman Kate Mendoza said.

Only 15% of stomach cancer patients survive for more than five years because it's so advanced by the time it's diagnosed.

"This places even greater emphasis on making lifestyle choices to prevent the disease occurring in the first place — such as cutting down on salt intake and eating more fruit and vegetables," Mendoza said.

 

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