Experts have said that reducing the amount of salt consumed by the people could reduce the number of stomach cancer cases.

According to an estimate, about 14 per cent of stomach cancers in the UK can be avoided if the salt consumption is reduced to recommended levels. Average consumption of salt in the UK is 8.6 grams each a day, which is much higher than the maximum level recommended by health experts in the country.

The recommended level of salt consumption in the country is six grams, which is about a level teaspoonful, but people were eating 43 per cent higher than the recommended level, according to the data from World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

About 6000 cases of stomach cancer are reported in the UK every year and WCRF says that 14 per cent could be avoided by reducing the level of salt consumption. WCRF is asking for a "traffic-light" system for food labeling for allowing people to control their salt consumption levels.

Kate Mendoza, head of information at the charity, said, "Stomach cancer is difficult to treat successfully because most cases are not caught until the disease is well-established. This places even greater emphasis on making lifestyle choices to prevent the disease occurring in the first place - such as cutting down on salt intake and eating more fruit and vegetables."