EATING processed meat, drinking alcohol and being overweight have been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer for the first time by new research.
It is hoped findings, released by the World Cancer Research Fund, will help people make healthier lifestyle choices and avoid the killer disease.
The study found that for every 50 grams of processed meat eaten a day, the equivalent to about two rashers of bacon, the risk of cancer in the upper part of the stomach rises by 18 per cent. This builds on evidence that eating processed meat carries a bowel cancer risk.
Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks a day was also associated with a higher chance of stomach cancer, particularly among men and smokers.
In addition the findings make stomach cancer the 11th cancer connected to being overweight or obese.
Worldwide stomach cancer is the fifth most common form of the disease and the third most deadly. The latest data in Scotland shows 430 men and 290 women being diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and almost 500 dying from it.
Dr. Rachel Thompson, head of research interpretation at World Cancer Research Fund, said: "This new evidence gives us a clearer picture. We can now say, for the first time, that drinking alcohol, eating processed meat and being overweight or obese can all increase the risk of developing stomach cancers.
"These findings will hopefully help people better understand what increases their risk of cancer so that they can make informed decisions about their lifestyles choices."
It has been calculated that in the UK about one in six stomach cancer cases could be prevented if people stopped drinking more than three alcoholic drinks a day, eating processed meat and were a healthy weight.
Professor Michael Leitzmann, one of the leading experts behind the report, said: "The findings of this latest evidence report from World Cancer Research Fund are groundbreaking and show there is strong evidence linking the risk of developing stomach cancers to a number of different lifestyle factors, such as drinking alcohol and eating processed meat.
"The evidence from this current report will help the public and the health community better understand what can influence the risk of developing stomach cancers. It is an invaluable contribution to the growing evidence that exists on cancer prevention."
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, evidence linking added salt and stomach cancer is less strong than it used to be but cannot be ruled out as a risk factor. They recommend consuming no more than six grams or one teaspoon per day.
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