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London (pte018/12.01.2005/11:00) - British people are generally ignorant about cancer and how to reduce the risk of the disease, a recent survey suggests. As the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk reports, many of the 4,000 people questioned were unaware that diet, alcohol and weight were all factors that can influence the risk of getting cancer. The study was commissioned by Cancer Research UK http://www.cancerresearchuk.org . Although research suggests that a half of all cases of cancer could potentially be prevented, Cancer Research UK says this message has not yet got through to the public.
The results of the survey showed just how much confusion there is regarding what increases the risk of cancer. Of 4,000 people questioned, 66 per cent were unaware that being overweight or obese increases the risk of some cancers. 67 per cent of those asked did not know that a diet low in fruit and vegetables could increase their chances of getting the disease. Only a third of the people questioned mentioned drinking less alcohol as a way of reducing the risk. Furthermore, around 75 per cent were ignorant of the cancer risks posed by taking HRT or having many sexual partners.
However, 24 per cent of people questioned believed living near power lines was a risk, and 34 per cent thought stress was linked to cancer. Neither of these have been scientifically proven. The survey did, however, find that the majority of people are aware that cancer is linked to smoking and over-exposure to the sun.
"The fundamental aim of this campaign is to alert everyone to the fact that each one of us can reduce our risk of getting cancer," said Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK. "There is no magic pill to prevent us getting the disease but there are many things we can all do in our daily lives to improve our chances of avoiding it."
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