This is because the processed meat content in a fry-up, including  sausage and black pudding, has been linked to the disease.

The typical full English – complete with fried eggs, sausages, bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes – can contain around 700 calories.

And extras such as black pudding and fried bread can push the calorie content even higher.

Saturated fat is also known to contribute to the risk of heart disease and processed meat is linked to obesity.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) says there is convincing scientific evidence that excess body fat is linked to six different types of cancer. And an English breakfast can contain up to 150g of processed meat, which if eaten every day massively increases chances of contracting bowel cancer.

And the charity says that the evidence against processed meat is so strong, people should stop eating it altogether.

The WCRF’s Professor Martin Wiseman said: “For some people, having a fry-up might seem like a good way to start the day. But if you are doing this regularly then you are increasing your risk of bowel cancer.

“Even if you only eat 50g a day, roughly the equivalent of a sausage, then you will be increasing your risk by about a fifth.”

But another report shows sales of sausages are soaring. Market analysts TNS Worldpanel say 1.7billion meals containing bangers were served up in the UK last year, up by 2.7% on 2006.

gemma.wheatley@dailystar.co.uk