WCRF: grow your own to fend off cancer

16:46 9th July 2008

A leading cancer charity is advising Brits to grow their own fruit and vegetables as a means of preventing cancer.

World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recommends it as a way of getting five pieces of fruit and veg a day, which is thought to lower the chances of developing cancer.

It says it is a fun and cost-effective way of getting food and that the act of gardening also keeps you active, further reducing the risk of developing the disease.

WCRF General Manager Lucie Galice went as far as saying people could take inspiration from the rambunctious crowd on one particular Channel 4 programme.

"I don't know whether many would look at the contestants on Big Brother as ideal role models, but when it comes to growing your own fruit and veg people could take a leaf out of their book," she said.

"As well as being a fun hobby, growing your own means you can have a cost-effective supply of tasty fruit and veg and be physically active."

Evidence shows that physical activity and a good diet, rich in fruit and veg, can help reduce the risk of a number of health problems, including cancer.