A greater number of British people are leading healthy lifestyles following the publication of a report about cancer prevention last year, a poll suggests.

A YouGov survey of 2,124 people suggests that 11 per cent of people have tried to cut down on the amount of processed meat they consume after a report by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) warned that it increases the risk of bowel cancer.

The survey also found that 26 per cent of people have tried to eat more fruit and vegetables after learning this could reduce their cancer risk, and 18 per cent have tried to become more physically active.

Richard Evans, the charity's head of communications, said: "It is really encouraging that so many people remember our report and have tried to make lifestyle changes as a result of it."

The expert noted that more work needs to be done as many people do not realise that a third of cancers could be protected just by eating healthily, doing plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

He added: "This survey shows that if people are told how they can reduce their risk of cancer then many of them will make changes."

According to Cancer Research UK, people may be able to reduce their risk of bowel cancer by obtaining plenty of fibre from fruit, vegetables and cereal, avoiding too much red meat, eating lots of fish and maintaining a healthy body weight.