17 Mar 2015
Obesity brings 40 per cent higher cancer risk for women: study
BY Jak Phillips
Health experts are urging obese women to adopt healthier lifestyles, following research suggesting they have a 40 per cent greater risk of weight-related cancer.
The Cancer Research UK figures prompted calls to tackle obesity – through steps such as healthier eating and physical activity – and in turn reduce the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including bowel and post-menopausal breast. Northern Ireland, where more than a fifth of women are reportedly obese, was identified by the charity as being particularly under threat.
But a range of simple lifestyle changes are all it takes to make a difference, according to Julie Sharp, head of health information at Cancer Research UK.
“Lifestyle changes, like not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet and cutting back on alcohol – are the big opportunities for us all to personally reduce our cancer risk," she said.
“Making these changes is not a guarantee against cancer, but it stacks the odds in our favour.”
Read more:
• Studies suggest exercise and diet may not be enough to tackle obesity
• Weekend lie-ins driving obesity: study
• Inactivity twice as deadly as obesity, finds landmark study
• EU courts rule obesity can be classed as a disability
• Exercise has the power to change our DNA: study
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