The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has said that 13,000 premature deaths from cancer “could be prevented” in the UK every year.
Around 157,000 people die every year from the disease in the UK annually. The predicted number of deaths is expected to increase to 182,000 by 2025.
The Union for International Cancer Control, which works in 155 countries around the world, has estimated that 1.5 million deaths from the disease could be prevented if awareness was increased.
The WCRF carried out a survey of 2,000 people in Britain and found over a quarter (28%) believed there was nothing they could do to reduce their cancer risk.
Dr Kate Allen, executive director of science and public affairs at WCRF, said the results of the study were a concern.
She explained: “They show that a significant proportion of people don’t realise that there’s a lot they can do to reduce their risk of cancer. By eating healthily, being physically active and keeping to a healthy weight, we estimate that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented.”
“Everyone has a role to play in preventing cancer but governments and health professionals are key to raising awareness and making it easier for individuals to change their lifestyle habits.”
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