Only one in 10 people have tried to reduce their intake of processed meat since a landmark health study linked it with cancer, according to research released today.

Only one in 10 people have tried to reduce their intake of processed meat since a landmark health study linked it with cancer, according to research released today.

In a YouGov survey of 2124 adults, just 11% said they had tried to cut down on processed meats, such as bacon and sausages, since a report by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) linked them with bowel cancer.

The study, published a year ago, received significant media coverage. It found that those who eat 150g of processed meat a day - roughly two sausages and three rashers of bacon - were 63% more likely to develop bowel cancer.

Among over-55s polled, 37% said they had tried to cut down on processed meat since the study. Just 6% of those aged 18 to 34 considered changing.

More than a quarter, 26%, had tried to eat more fruit and vegetables as a result of the coverage, following findings that doing so is likely to reduce the risk of a number of types of the cancer, including stomach and oesophagus.

The survey found that as a result of the report 18% of respondents had tried to be more physically active, 9% had tried to cut down on alcohol and 10% had tried to eat less red meat.

Nutritionists say changing people's food habits is notoriously difficult.

Dr Jennie Jackson, a lecturer in nutrition and dietetics at Glasgow Caledonia University, said: "I'm pleasantly surprised that so many people are still trying to change their eating behaviour.

However, Dr Jackson added: "People may know about bacon and sausages, but they might not consider sandwich fillings such as packet ham or turkey as processed meat."

Richard Evans, spokesman for WCRF, said: "We still have a lot of work to do to get across the message that about a third of cancers could be prevented just by eating healthily, being physically fit and maintaining a healthy weight."