Stomach cancer can be prevented if salt intake limited to 6 gm

Lifestyle and cancer statistics compiled by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) show that average dail…

The charity is calling for standardised 'traffic light' system on the front of food and drink packaging to tackle high levels of salt, fat and sugar consumption.

Scientists estimate that around 14 per cent of cases of stomach cancer could be avoided through reducing salt intake. Because stomach cancer is usually well advanced by the time it is diagnosed only about 15 per cent of patients survive for more than five years, making it the seventh most common cause of cancer death in the UK.

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

"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."

She added: "Because around three-quarters of the salt we consume is already in the processed food when we buy it, WCRF would like to see traffic light labelling on the front of food and drink packaging to give clear guidance on the levels of salt as well as sugar, fat and saturated fat.

"Standardised labelling among retailers and manufacturers - rather than the different voluntary systems currently in place - would help consumers make better informed and healthy choices."

In 2009, there were 7,500 new cases of stomach cancer diagnosed in the UK. By cutting salt intake to 6 gm a day, 1,050 of these cases could have been prevented. In 2010, there were 4,966 deaths from the disease. 

Salt is linked to high blood pressure, the main cause of strokes and a significant cause of heart disease. It is also connected to osteoporosis and kidney disease.