Bowel cancer risk increased by fat around the waist

For every extra inch on the waist above a healthy measurement, the risk of bowel cancer goes up three per cent, a study found.

Experts conclude a big waist circumference is a predictor of bowel cancer regardless of overall body mass index.

The research, from experts at Imperial College London and the University of Leeds, will be presented at an international cancer conference today and focuses on a review of seven existing papers which found tummy fat is a predictor for bowel cancer.

It provides the strongest evidence so far that the link remains true, even if the rest of the body is in proportion and the person is normal weight or only moderately overweight.

As a guide, a health waist measurement is defined as less than 31.5in (80cm) for women, less than 37in (94cm) for white and black men and less than 35in (90cm) for Asian men.

Professor Martin Wiseman, medical and scientific adviser for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), which funded the study, said:

"We estimate that more than 2,700 cases of bowel cancer a year in the UK could be prevented through people maintaining a healthy weight.

"But as well as confirming the link between body fat and bowel cancer, this study has strengthened the evidence that where we carry the fat is also important."

The results of the review will be presented at WCRF's international scientific conference in London.

Dr Teresa Norat, lead researcher on the study, said: "This study gives us a better picture of how body fat affects the risk of bowel cancer."