52% Unaware that Being Overweight Causes Cancer

About half of people do not know that being overweight can cause cancer, according to a new survey.

The survey, which was carried out by YouGov for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) in the UK, found that just 52% of people are aware that excess body fat increases cancer risk. This is despite the fact that there is convincing scientific evidence that body fat is a cause of six types of cancer, including bowel cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer, say the WCRF.

The survey also found that:

• Only 38% of people knew that drinking alcohol increases cancer risk.
• Just 38% were aware that not taking exercise increases cancer risk.
• Only 57% of people knew that having a poor diet increases cancer risk.
• Less than a third (30%) knew that eating processed meat increases risk of cancer. In fact, scientists have found convincing evidence that it is a cause of bowel cancer, and WCRF has since recommended that people avoid eating it.

Lucie Galice, General Manager of WCRF, said: “It is a real concern that so many people are unaware that they can make a difference to their risk of cancer just by eating healthily, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.

“The evidence on this is really clear and in fact scientists estimate that about a third of cancer could be prevented just by doing these things.

“It is important that people know about how they can reduce their cancer risk so that they are able to make informed lifestyle decisions. But it is clear we have a long way to go in terms of getting the message across that cancer is a largely preventable disease.”

Posted Thursday 3rd April 2008