Beating Bowel Cancer is delighted to be associated with the 5 A DAY Just Eat More programme. As a national UK charity dedicated to supporting those suffering with bowel cancer, we work hard to promote messages about prevention, as well as treatment. Healthy living is a crucial element of these messages, therefore the affiliation with

5 A DAY is ideal.

Experts regard increasing fruit and vegetable consumption as the second most important strategy for cancer prevention after reducing smoking. We are often asked about ways in which a healthy diet might prevent or protect against bowel cancer, and easy mnemonics like 5 A DAY are vital in stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.

Incidences of bowel cancer are becoming increasingly attributed to a diet high in red meat and saturated fats, combined with a lack of exercise and poor levels of fitness. There is also growing evidence that a diet high in fibre, of which fruit and vegetables play a huge part, can reduce the risk of some cancers. Indeed, evidence for the protective properties of fruit and vegetables is also mounting, so there is every reason for Beating Bowel Cancer to support 5 A DAY - a simple and easy reminder to eat more healthily.

5 A DAY is becoming more and more instantly recognisable as an essential action to factor into your day, just as brushing your teeth twice a day is, and an association with a programme which is itself increasing in profile has great benefits to us. Because bowel cancer is still one of the less ‘glamorous’ cancers, with certain stigmas attached to it, working with other campaigns is a great way for the public to see and understand the vital work that we do.

We are pleased to now use the

5 A DAY logo in several of our key communications, including our website and charity newsletter. The website, www.beatingbowelcancer.org, currently receives around 35,000 hits per month and is utilised not only by bowel cancer sufferers, but also by healthcare professionals, families and friends of those affected by bowel cancer, and by the general public at large.

The message remains the same, no matter who is reading our materials - eating five portions and fruit and vegetables every day is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle…and could ultimately help towards preventing bowel cancer.

If you would like a free leaflet on bowel cancer symptoms or any other information about the disease, please contact Beating Bowel Cancer on 020 8892 5256 or visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org

For information about 5 A DAY visit www.5ADAY.nhs.uk

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