Risky business

Just one-third of people know that alcohol can increase the risk of cancer and half don’t know that being overweight can also be dangerous.

Cancer is responsible for around one-quarter of all deaths in the UK yet half of all cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes.

Over 2,000 people were quizzed by the World Cancer Research Fund to see what they knew about the risk of developing cancer. 43% were unaware of the link between poor diet and increased risk but this is one of the easiest things to modify.

According to Cancer Research UK, not smoking, keeping active, moderating how much alcohol you drink and eating 5-a-day can reduce your risk of developing cancer or heart disease.

24 October 2008