A survey of 4,000 Britons by the charity Cancer Research UK revealed today that 25 per cent of UK adults believe getting cancer is decided by fate, and smokers were 50 per cent more likely to believe this than non-smokers.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, expressed the charity’s concern about the results “it is seriously worrying that so many people think cancer is down to fate.”
The survey asked a cross-section of the population whether they thought getting cancer was down to fate, or whether the risk could be reduced by changing their lifestyle.
Surprisingly, 27 per cent of the respondents thought getting cancer was down to fate. This figure went up to 43 per cent for respondents from poorer areas, and down to 14 per cent for the more affluent areas.
The over 65s were the most likely age group to think cancer was decided by fate, and overall, men were less likely than women to believe this.
“It is alarming that such a large percentage of the British population do not realise that half of all cases of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes”, said Dr Walker.
The charity has launched a campaign titled “Reduce the Risk” to raise awareness of the impact lifestyle changes can have on one’s risk of getting cancer.
The campaign focuses on five areas where people can make a difference to their chances of getting cancer: the biggest difference comes from giving up smoking. After that comes maintaining a healthy weight and body shape, keeping to a balanced diet low in alchohol and with plenty of fruit and vegetables every day, exercising frequently, and being sensible about exposure to the sun. Overall it emphasises the importance of knowing your own body, taking up invitations for screening, and making sure you see the doctor if anything unusual happens.
While much of this advice is familiar, especially the giving up smoking, what many people may find surprising is the advice on limiting alcohol consumption.
According to the charity’s researchers, too much alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, larynx, oesophagus, liver, breast and possibly bowel. And smoking and excessive alcohol together increase the risk substantially. They suggest that in the UK every year, 2000 cases of breast cancer are caused by alcohol.
Written by: Catharine Paddock
Writer: Medical News Today