New statistics reveal worrying cancer trends
New statistics from Cancer Research UK reveal a worrying increase in cancers related to lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, alcohol, smoking and obesity. The study shows that melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now the fastest rising cancer in the UK. Rates of the disease, which kills almost 2,000 Britons every year, have gone up by 40% in a decade. Almost 9,000 cases were diagnosed in 2004, compared to fewer than 6,000 in 1994. Cancers of the mouth, womb and kidney have also risen sharply over the same period. The good news is that lung cancer rates are falling, thanks to smoking cessation campaigns, and cervical cancer is also on the decrease as a result of screening programmes. Research suggests that around half of all cancers could be prevented with lifestyle changes. For example, heavy sun exposure is the cause of the vast majority of melanoma cases. Meanwhile most cases of mouth cancer are found in people who smoke or chew tobacco and regularly drink alcohol. Being overweight is also a risk factor for cancer; overweight and obese women are twice as likely to develop womb cancer as women of a healthy weight. Obesity, combined with smoking, also increases the risk of developing kidney cancer. 'While incidence rates for some cancers have fallen over the past decade, others are rising and many of these cases could be prevented if people avoided excessive sun exposure, smoking and obesity and limited their alcohol intake,' commented Lucy Morrish, statistical information manager at Cancer Research UK. 'Our Reduce the Risk campaign actively encourages people to learn how they can lead healthier lives and cut their risk of developing cancer.' '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,' commented Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK. 'Enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunburn also helps to reduce cancer risk and we encourage people to get to know their bodies and see their doctor if they notice anything unusual - and attend screening when invited.' However, a recent survey released by Cancer Research UK showed that most sunbathers are fully aware of the risks of high levels of sun exposure. Of 400 sunbathers who said they were certain to burn, 90% acknowledged that sunburn causes permanent skin damage.
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