June 25, 2012 — More than 4 out of 10 cancers could be prevented by
lifestyle changes, concludes a new report from Cancer Research UK,
titled "Cancer Prevention: Stacking the Odds in Your Favour."
"Many people believe cancer is down to fate or 'in the genes' and
that it is the luck of the draw whether they get it. But there is clear
evidence that around 40% of all cancers are caused by things people
mostly have the power to change," the report notes. "While leading a
healthy life doesn't guarantee that a person won't get cancer, healthy
habits can stack the odds in their favor," it concludes.
"Smoking is by far the most important preventable cause of cancer and
is linked to at least 14 different types of the disease," comments
Harpal Kumal, PhD, chief executive of Cancer Research UK. "Alcohol also
increases cancer risk, and the combination of both smoking and drinking
heavily increases the risk considerably more."
However, after smoking, excess weight is one of the biggest causes of
cancer, he points out in the introduction to the new report.
"Unless we tackle the obesity epidemic in the UK, we risk cancer
cases soaring," he notes. Cancer Research UK estimates that around
17,000 cases of cancer each year are caused by people being overweight
and obese.
In 2009, nearly two thirds of all adults in England and Wales were
overweight and obese. Cancers linked to excess weight include breast,
colorectal, kidney, uterine, and pancreatic cancer.
"For both men and women, being overweight is, after smoking, the most
important risk factor for cancer," comments one of the report authors,
Jane Wade, PhD, from the Cancer Research UK's Health Behaviour Research
Center, based at University College London.
"Muffin top" is surprisingly active
"What many people don't realise is that extra fat around the middle —
their 'muffin top' — is surprisingly active, releasing hormones and
other chemicals that can make cells in the body divide far more often
than usual, which can increase the risk of cancer," she commented in a
statement.
Main Barrier: Lack of Willpower
The new report outlines results from a survey conducted in 2011
individuals. Of these participants, 26% were found to be obese (with a
body mass index >30 kg/m2), and a further 32% were classified as overweight (with a body mass index of 25 - 30 kg/m2).
There was a high degree of knowledge about the link between excess
weight and cancer, with 63% of the respondents agreeing that "being
overweight" was a risk factor.
The majority of people (69%) taking part in the survey said they
wanted to lose weight, and this percentage was even higher (87%) among
those who were classified as overweight or obese.
When individuals who were overweight and obese were queried about
difficulties they encountered when trying to lose weight, the majority
of respondents (64%) said that they lacked will power. Nearly half said
they had tried to lose weight previously and were not successful,
whereas 43% said they had other things to worry about and 38% said they
did not have the time to exercise and prepare healthy meals.
Less than one third of all respondents (29%) said they managed to eat
the recommended 5 fruits and vegetables each day. Even fewer (23%)
managed to achieve the recommended level of exercise (at least 2 hours
30 minutes of moderate physical activity each week).
Need Sustained Lifestyle Changes
"Our report shows that even though overweight people would like to
lose weight and are aware of the cancer risk, they feel lack of will
power is a major barrier to shedding the pounds," commented Dr. Wardle.
"We know that the modern day environment makes it very hard for
people to lose weight, especially when they are bombarded by advertising
and easily tempted by cheap ready-made meals and fast food, instead of a
balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables," she added.
Commenting on the new findings, Susan Jebb, MD, head of diet and
population health at the UK Medical Research Council, said: "It's
encouraging that most people recognize a poor diet and lack of physical
activity significantly increase their risk of developing cancer."
"But it's also clear that most people find it hard to turn their good
intentions — to eat better and move more — into sustained changes in
their lifestyle," She commented in a statement. "This gap between
knowledge and behaviour helps to explain why the number of people who
are obese is continuing to increase."
Dr. Jebb concluded, "Research shows that to make sustained changes in
diet and physical activity people need tangible support from family,
friends or health professionals. In the longer term, it's important that
the places we live and work make the healthier choice the easier
choice, so healthy living becomes a way of life, not a matter of
personal willpower."
The report was funded by Scottish Power,
which has chosen Cancer Research UK as one its principal charities for
the next 3 years, with the aim of raising over £5 million.
