05/12/2006
Obesity 'could increase number of cancer cases'
Rising obesity levels could lead to up to 12,000 new cases of cancer being diagnosed in the UK by the year 2010, a leading cancer charity has warned.
Cancer Research UK warned that if obesity levels continued to rise, then the number of cancer cases linked to excess weight, including breast, womb, kidney and bowel cancer, would increase.
Around 24.2 million people in the UK are overweight or obese, but the government has predicted that the figure will increase by 14% to 27.6 million by 2010.
Professor Tim Key from Cancer Research UK said: "It is now established that being overweight increases the risk of developing several types of cancer.
"The effects on breast and womb cancer are almost certainly due to the increased production of the hormone oestrogen in the fatty tissue.
"We are less sure of the precise mechanisms in other obesity related cancers but we can confidently predict that the number of these cases will increase unless the rise in obesity in Britain can be reversed."
The charity said that a comprehensive strategy was needed in order to stop increasing obesity levels in the UK, particularly amongst young adults and children.
After smoking, obesity is one of the most important preventable causes of cancer.
(KMcA)
Cancer Research UK warned that if obesity levels continued to rise, then the number of cancer cases linked to excess weight, including breast, womb, kidney and bowel cancer, would increase.
Around 24.2 million people in the UK are overweight or obese, but the government has predicted that the figure will increase by 14% to 27.6 million by 2010.
Professor Tim Key from Cancer Research UK said: "It is now established that being overweight increases the risk of developing several types of cancer.
"The effects on breast and womb cancer are almost certainly due to the increased production of the hormone oestrogen in the fatty tissue.
"We are less sure of the precise mechanisms in other obesity related cancers but we can confidently predict that the number of these cases will increase unless the rise in obesity in Britain can be reversed."
The charity said that a comprehensive strategy was needed in order to stop increasing obesity levels in the UK, particularly amongst young adults and children.
After smoking, obesity is one of the most important preventable causes of cancer.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 March 2014
Cancer Research UK Raises Over £8m In Six Days
Cancer Research UK has raised over £8 million in donations in just six days thanks to the #nomakeupselfie trend. The #nomakeupselfie trend isn't something Cancer Research UK started.
Cancer Research UK Raises Over £8m In Six Days
Cancer Research UK has raised over £8 million in donations in just six days thanks to the #nomakeupselfie trend. The #nomakeupselfie trend isn't something Cancer Research UK started.
08 August 2011
Cancer Survivors 'Should Exercise', Charity Claims
More than a million cancer survivors could be putting themselves at risk of long-term health problems because they are not physically active enough, a report by Macmillan Cancer Support has claimed. The charity's report, Move More, said that of the two million cancer survivors in the UK, around 1.
Cancer Survivors 'Should Exercise', Charity Claims
More than a million cancer survivors could be putting themselves at risk of long-term health problems because they are not physically active enough, a report by Macmillan Cancer Support has claimed. The charity's report, Move More, said that of the two million cancer survivors in the UK, around 1.
17 October 2005
Breast cancer can cost ‘thousands’
Breast cancer can cost sufferers thousands of pounds, a survey by a leading cancer charity has revealed. Macmillan Cancer Relief surveyed 50 cancer patients and found that, on average, they spent almost £2,000 on extra costs during their treatment.
Breast cancer can cost ‘thousands’
Breast cancer can cost sufferers thousands of pounds, a survey by a leading cancer charity has revealed. Macmillan Cancer Relief surveyed 50 cancer patients and found that, on average, they spent almost £2,000 on extra costs during their treatment.
12 January 2005
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.
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.
28 February 2006
Government's child obesity target 'may not be met'
The government's target to halt the rise of child obesity by 2010 may not be met unless there is "clearer leadership", a report has warned. The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003.
Government's child obesity target 'may not be met'
The government's target to halt the rise of child obesity by 2010 may not be met unless there is "clearer leadership", a report has warned. The incidence of childhood obesity increased from 9.6% in 1995 to 13.7% in 2003.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.