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 Press releases & statements |
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| Less than half aware of physical activity and cancer link |
June 16, 2008
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Less than half of people in Great Britain know they can reduce their cancer risk by being physically active, according to a new survey.
The survey of 1,990 people by YouGov, which was commissioned by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), found only 43 per cent of people are aware that physical activity protects against cancer.
This is despite the fact that there is convincing evidence that regular physical activity reduces the risk of bowel cancer, as well as probably reducing risk of post-menopausal breast cancer and endometrial (womb) cancer. People who are physically active are also less likely to become overweight, and there is convincing evidence that excess body fat is a cause of six types of cancer.
This is the reason WCRF recommends that people should aim to be physically active for at least half an hour a day, and as fitness improves aim to be active for an hour a day.
Lucie Galice, General Manager of WCRF, said: “Scientists have shown that being physically active is something positive people can do to reduce their cancer risk.
“It is a cause for concern that over half of people are unaware that physical activity can play an important role in cancer prevention. If people do not know about it then they are not in a position to make an informed choice about how active to be.
“This is why we need to do more to get the message across to the public that about a third of cancers could be prevented just through physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.”
The YouGov survey also found that only 58 per cent of people are aware that having a healthy diet reduces cancer risk and just 55 per cent of people know that being overweight is a cause of cancer. Only 34 per cent of people are aware that eating processed meat increases cancer risk, while 39 per cent of people know about the link between alcohol and cancer.
With physical activity, younger people are much more aware that it protects against cancer than older people, with 52 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds being aware of the link, compared to just 38 per cent of people aged over 55. But people of any age can make a difference to their risk of cancer by becoming more physically active.
ENDS
For more information contact Richard Evans on 020 7343 4253.
E-mail: r.evans@wcrf.org
Notes to editors
WCRF recommends that people should be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day but to avoid weight gain, more is beneficial. For maximum health benefits, scientists recommend aiming for 60 minutes or more of moderate activity every day, or 30 minutes of vigorous activity.
Moderate activity is anything that makes your heart beat faster and makes you breathe more deeply. This includes things like swimming, dancing, walking briskly, or doing gardening such as raking leaves.
Vigorous activity means something that makes you sweat and feel out of breath. This includes things like jogging, working out at the gym or playing football.
You do not have to do it all in one go, and it is the total amount of time you are active throughout the course of the day that counts.
Studies show that regular physical activity can help us to keep hormone levels healthy, which is important as having high levels of some hormones can increase our cancer risk.
Physical activity may also strengthen our immune system, help keep our digestive system healthy and allow us to consume more food – and more cancer-protective nutrients – without gaining weight.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,990 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th to 8th June 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
About WCRF
World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) raises awareness that cancer is largely preventable and helps people make choices to reduce their chances of developing the disease.
This includes research into how cancer risk is related to diet, physical activity, and weight management, and education programmes that highlight the fact that about a third of cancers could be prevented through changes to lifestyle. For more information on the charity’s work, visit www.wcrf-uk.org
The WCRF report, called Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, was launched in November 2007 and is the most comprehensive report ever published on the link between cancer and lifestyle. For more information, visit www.dietandcancerreport.org. |
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WCRF UK, 19 Harley Street, London W1G 9QJ - Tel: 020 7343 4200 - Fax: 020 7343 4201 - wcrf@wcrf.org
Registered Charity No. 1000739
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