Most Britons Unaware
of Obesity-Cancer Link

Only three percent of Britons are aware that being overweight or obese is a leading risk factor for cancer, according to a poll released.

Most Britons know that piling on the pounds raises the odds of developing heart disease. But few knew about the link to cancer, although scientists estimate that about five percent of all cancers in women and three percent in men could be avoided if people were not overweight or obese.

"Obesity is contributing to cancer deaths," Professor Jane Wardle, of the charity Cancer Research UK, told a news conference.

"If obesity rates continue to rise, the burden of cancer will increase," she added.

After smoking, obesity is the largest risk factor for cancer in western countries and is linked to nearly 40 percent of uterine and esophageal cancers, 11 percent of colon cancers and nine percent of breast cancers.

In Britain 47 percent of men and 33 percent of women are overweight and nearly a quarter of both sexes are obese, according to Cancer Research UK.

Obesity is measured by body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. A BMI of more than 30 is considered obese. More than 35 is severely obese.

In addition to cancer and heart disease, being overweight also increases the odds of suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels.

"Obesity prevalence has been increasing dramatically over the last decade," said Wardle.

Poor eating habits and lack of exercise are responsible for the increase in weight, she added, and all the factors also contribute to the development of cancer.

Scientists had thought that fat, or adipose tissue, was harmless but they now know it is metabolically active and influences the production of hormones that affect cancer risk.

"The results of this survey are extremely worrying especially as being overweight is the major preventable risk factor for cancer in non-smokers," said Dr Lesley Walker, the director of information at Cancer Research UK.

The results of the survey of 1,000 adults across Britain were released to launch the Race for Life event in which 325,000 women are expected to take part in five km (three-mile) races throughout the country to raise money for cancer research.