Preventing avoidable cancer
One of the world's biggest killers, over a third of cancer could be prevented by eliminating risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity and the harmful use of alcohol. Smoking is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer, and is the cause of more than a quarter of all cancer deaths in the UK.
Smoking and alcohol consumption combined are estimated to account for three quarters of cancers of the mouth, pharynx and oesophagus. Alcohol is also associated with cancer of the breast, bowel and liver and causes about 6 per cent of cancer deaths in the UK each year.
There is a consensus that components of the diet offer protection against some cancers including dietary fibre and fruits and vegetables. Studies also suggest that some foods, if eaten in excess may raise the risk of cancer, particularly salty or preserved foods. Some types of cancer are more common in people who are overweight or obese. The fat tissues in overweight people produce more hormones and growth factors than those in people of a healthy weight. High levels of some of these hormones, including oestrogen and insulin, can increase the risk of certain cancers. (Source: Cancer Research UK)
Further causes of cancer that can be prevented are those caused by infectious agents, exposures to ionizing radiation and occupational and environmental exposures.
Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer.
Cancer Research UK provides information and statistics on costs, prevalence and trends.
