Cancer Research says we are killing ourselves
It’s nothing new but certainly is a good reminder. A study by Cancer Research UK found half of cancers could be prevented by simple changes to our lifestyle. Sun burn, binge drinking, smoking and overeating have led to a huge increase in the number of cases of cancer, the charity says. Cases of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, rose by 43% between 1995 and 2004, whilst mouth cancer increased by 23%, womb cancer by 21% and cases of kidney cancer rose by 14%.The charity is concerned that we are letting cancers dangerously loose on ourselves.
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Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of health information, said: "We're very concerned that cases of malignant melanoma are spiralling. Exposure to UV radiation in sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Most cases of this disease could be prevented if people protected themselves in the sun and took care not to burn.”
Scientists believe smoking doubles the risk of kidney cancer but the risk could drop if people give up. Ms Hiom added: "Everyone can help reduce their risk of cancer by avoiding smoking, keeping a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre and taking regular exercise."
[via Sky News]
