Reduce the risk of cancer

MORE than one in three people in the UK will develop cancer at some stage in their lifetime, and one in four will die from the disease.

A new health awareness campaign Reduce The Risk has been launched by Cancer Research UK, the charity behind Race for Life, aimed at highlighting changes people can make to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at the charity, says: "Although there are no fail-safe formulas to protect us, the aim of Reduce The Risk is to highlight to steps we can all take to make us healthier and decrease our risk of getting cancer."

Experts believe that obesity is the second most important risk factor for cancer after smoking.

Reduce The Risk focuses on five core messages:

1. Stop smoking. Talk to your doctor or locally based smoke-stop facilitator on what's available to help you quit.

2. Stay in shape. Keep a healthy body weight - just 30 minutes moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, gardening or swimming, five days a week will help keep you healthy.

3. Eat and drink healthily. Limit alcohol, which can increase your risk of certain cancers, and aim for a balanced diet including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

4. Be SunSmart. Skin cancer cases in the UK are on the rise - cover up, don't let your skin go red and burn, watch moles for any changes and get unusual skin blemishes checked out by the doctor.

5. Look after number one. Know your body, be aware of any changes and contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual. Go for breast and cervical screening - such checks can save your life.

"Race for Life provides participants with the opportunity to raise money for Cancer Research UK's life-saving work and helps them to get active at the same time," says Dr Walker.

"We hope that the women who improve their fitness in the run up to race day will continue to live this more healthy lifestyle to help them reduce their risk of cancer."