Scientists have warned that eating a fry-up every morning could increase the risk of bowel cancer.

Processed meats like bacon and sausages may raise the chances by as much as 60 per cent, the charity World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) said.

In addition, the high calories in a fry-up can contribute to obesity which in itself leads to a higher risk of six different types of cancer, the WCRF said. The typical English breakfast with fried eggs, sausages, bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes can contain around 700 calories.

Experts now believe that, after not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing people can do to prevent getting the disease.

Professor Martin Wiseman, medical and scientific adviser for WCRF, said: "For some people, having a fry-up with bacon and sausages might seem like a good way to start the day.

"But if you are doing this regularly then you are significantly increasing your risk of bowel cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in the UK."

He added: "Only a third of people are aware of the link between processed meat and cancer, which means two thirds of people are not in a position to make an informed choice about how much of it they eat.

"This is not a question of all or nothing because the more processed meat you eat, the greater your risk."

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