New figures show that about half of adults are unaware of being overweight increases the risk of developing cancer.
About 41% of the British adult population is unaware that there is a correlation between weight and cancer. Meanwhile, 62% of English adults are currently overweight or obese.
Cancer charities assert that these findings are alarming.
Overweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index of more than 25. Being overweight increases the risk of developing 10 different cancers including bowel, breast, liver and pancreatic cancer.
Obesity can additionally raise the risk of kidney, womb, ovary, gallbladder and advanced prostate cancer.
40% of adults do not realize that poor diets also increase the risk of cancer. 43% of adults were completely unaware that drinking alcohol also raises the chances of cancer.
After not smoking, being a healthy weight is the most important think people can do in order to reduce their cancer risk.
Cancer charities estimate that around 1/3 of the most common cancers could be prevented through choosing a healthy diet, being physically active and maintain a healthy body weight.
Charities have launched a new campaign called “I Can” in order to improve low levels of awareness and encourage people to take action.
Experts are concerned that so many people are still not aware that being overweight can increase their chances of developing cancer.
In fact, research has found that 24,000 cancer cases in the United Kingdom could have been avoided if everyone was a healthy weight.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult. Small changes such as cutting down on high calorie foods and sugary drinks, drinking less alcohol, or even 10 to 15 extra minutes each day of physical activities such as a brisk walk could all decrease a person’s cancer risk.
