Sandra Gidley MP Votes for Healthy Living Drive to Prevent Cancer

2.08.02pm GMT Tue 30th Jan 2007

Sandra Gidley MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for health, commented on Cancer Research UK's recent survey which found that a quarter of adults in the UK think getting cancer is all down to fate, when in fact more than half of all cases of cancer can be prevented.

"I think it is a pity that stories in the media of genetic factors in cancer and bad luck stories of rare cancers stick in people's minds, when the reality is that about a quarter of cancer deaths are caused by smoking and another quarter from unhealthy diets and obesity. "

"It is important to recognise that there are simple steps we can all take to live healthier lives and reduce our risk of developing cancer - like maintaining a healthy body weight as well as giving up smoking."

The Romsey MP was taking a break from heavyweight politics when she had her Body Mass index (BMI) measured at a 'healthy living' exhibition organised by Cancer Research UK in Parliament.

"I am not saying my BMI was anything to worry about, but I plan to do a lot more walking in the corridors of power in future to get more support for spending on measures which help people live healthier lives ".

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "It is a

real challenge that such a large percentage of the British population do not realise that half of all cases of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes.

"Cancer Research UK's Reduce the Risk Campaign aims to make people aware of the changes they could make in their daily routines to help them cut their cancer risk.

For more advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle please visit www.reducetherisk.org.uk

For more information please contact Tracey Loftis at Cancer Research UK on 020 7061 8524.

Notes to Editors:

About BMI

• Body mass index (BMI) is a simple tool to measure whether you are within a healthy weight range for your height.

• BMI is only a guide and is aimed at healthy adults. It isn't suitable for children or older people.

• You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (weight [kg] / height [m]2)

• A BMI of between 18.5 and 25 is ok, 25-30 is overweight and 30+ would put you in the obese category. Remember that BMI is only a guide and is not suitable for children or elderly people.

Waist size

• Another useful way of deciding if you are overweight or obese is measuring your waist circumference.

• It doesn't matter how tall or muscular you are - this doesn't affect the accuracy of waist measurement in showing if you are overweight or obese.

• Fat stored around the stomach is the most dangerous for health.

Cancer Research UK Survey

• Cancer Research UK surveyed 4,000 people, a cross-section of the population.

• 27% of respondents said they thought getting cancer was because of fate; amongst the most deprived areas this figure rose to 43%; amongst the most privileged areas it fell to 14%.

• The survey also found that smokers were 50% more likely than non-smokers to believe that getting cancer was fate.

Reduce the Risk campaign

More than half of all cases of cancer can be prevented according to Cancer Research UK's Reduce the Risk campaign, www.reducetherisk.org.uk

The campaign's key messages are:

• Stop smoking: It's the best present you'll ever give yourself.

• Stay in shape: Be active and keep a healthy body weight.

• Eat and drink healthy: Limit alcohol and choose a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

• Be SunSmart: protect yourself in the sun and take care not to burn.

• Look after number one: Know your body and see your doctor about anything unusual. Go for screening when invited.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 08701 602040 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk.