Professor Walter Willet of Harvard University wrote in an editorial saying that the research just confirmed what have been findings of previous studies, that is that any association of intake and fruits and vegetables with risk of cancer is weak at best.

The World Cancer Research Fund felt that a reduced risk of cancer of 2.5% should not be lightly dismissed as it was still affecting and helping a considerable number of people cut their risk for cancer. "For the UK, this works out as about 7,000 cases a year, which is a significant number," says Dr Rachel Thompson from the charity.

Yinka Ebo of the Cancer Research UK said: "It's still a good idea to eat your five-a-day but remember that fruits and vegetables are pieces in a much larger lifestyle jigsaw. There are many things we can do to lower our chances of developing cancer such as not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, cutting down on alcohol, eating a healthy balanced diet, being physically active and staying safe in the sun."

So even though eating your five a day may not reduce the risk of cancer, it will make you healthier.