Cancer charity research reveals ignorance of cancer risk in UK

A large proportion of British people are ignorant about cancer risk factors, a survey conducted by a leading UK cancer charity has revealed.

The report, commissioned by Cancer Research UK, shows that there is widespread confusion over what factors increase the risk of the disease, which is Britain's biggest killer.

Four thousand people were questioned during the survey and the results showed that two thirds of them (66%) were unaware that being overweight or obese increased the risk of some cancers, while an even higher number (67%) did not know that not eating enough fruit and vegetables could also increase their chances of developing the disease.

Only a third of those questioned were able to identify drinking less alcohol as a way of reducing the risk of cancer and around 75% of those who took part in the survey were ignorant of the possible cancer risks of taking HRT or having too many sexual partners.

However, almost a quarter (24%)of those surveyed believed that living near power lines was a cancer risk, while more than a third (34%) believed that stress was linked to the disease, although there is no strong scientific evidence to support either of these beliefs.

Cancer Research UK is concerned about these results, because, they claim, scientific research has shown that at least half of all cases of cancer could be prevented.

The survey did reveal, however, that most people are now aware that smoking is a major risk factor in developing cancer, with more than 90% of those questioned correctly identifying it as a risk. It also revealed that the vast majority of people also knew that sunburn could increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

The report forms part of Cancer Research UK's new campaign, 'Reduce The Risk', which aims to teach people how lifestyle changes can dramatically affect their chances of developing cancer. The five-year campaign will target thousands of GPs' surgeries, health promotion units, hospitals and outpatient departments, leisure centres, swimming pools and shopping centres with leaflets and posters on the subject. Launching the 'Reduce The Risk' campaign, Cancer Research UK's Chief Executive, Professor Alex Markham said: "The fundamental aim of this campaign is to alert everyone to the fact that, although there is no magic pill to prevent us getting the disease, each one of us can reduce our risk of getting cancer."

Every year in Britain more than 270,000 people are diagnosed with cancer.

(KMcA/GB)