Health Update: An apple a day . . .

THE incidence of stomach cancer has fallen substantially among all ages over the past 40 years - probably because of the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year, according to figures published in the British Medical Journal. Cancer of the oesophagus, or gullet, is on the increase, partly because of the rising consumption of alcohol.

Testicular cancer used to be rare but has become the most common cancer among young men. The report says that whether this is because of the influence of excessive female hormones in the environment or modern styles of underwear is unknown.