©Blue Moon Studio, Inc.
Eating less red meat could prevent 6,000 cases of Australia's second deadliest cancer every year, experts claim.
They say studies confirm that consuming roast beef, lamb and pork increases your risk of developing bowel cancer.
The findings also suggest garlic and calcium could protect us against the disease, as could eating more foods containing fiber.
The World Cancer Research Fund said there was convincing evidence of a link between bowel cancer and red meat in its latest report, which combines existing research with 10 new studies.
It had already warned people to avoid eating processed meats and restrict their weekly intake of red meat to five medium portions to lessen the likelihood of developing bowel cancer.
Work since the 2007 warning reinforces the findings—and provides much more consistent evidence showing fibre-rich foods are protective.
Milk appears to cut the risk of bowel cancer, but the WCRF does not recommend dairy foods because evidence for overall cancer risk is unclear.
Dietary supplements containing calcium may help, but the new report says people should get it from whole foods instead. Eating garlic and taking regular exercise is also said to be protective.
Alcohol seems to increase the risk in men, and probably in women, too.
Stay up-to-date on the biggest health and wellness news with our weekly recap.