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Thu 9 Aug 2007
Cancer rates soar as people fail to heed warnings
TANYA THOMPSON
RECORD numbers of people are developing "avoidable cancers" because of
their lifestyle, despite warnings.
Figures released yesterday show soaring levels of cancers caused by
excessive sunbathing, obesity, {*filter*} and smoking.
Cancer Research UK said rates of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin
cancer, had risen by more than 40 per cent in the past decade, making it
the fastest rising cancer in the UK.
Last night the charity warned that some of the cancers could be avoided
with simple lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced
diet and taking regular exercise.
The figures - published by Cancer Research UK and the UK Association of
Cancer Registries - revealed that although rates of malignant melanoma
were highest in women and had doubled since the mid-1980s, rates had
tripled in men during the same period. Heavy sun exposure accounted for
the majority of cases.
The latest figures show almost 9,000 cases of malignant melanoma were
diagnosed in 2004 - up from fewer than 6,000 in 1995.
Experts blame the rise in cheap flights to the sun for increased melanoma
rates. Only weeks ago, a report claimed women who stayed out of the sun
increased their risk of developing {*filter*} cancer because they lacked
vitamin D, which comes from sunlight. Critics said the study was
misleading and that the risks of sunbathing outweighed the benefits.
Doctors now believe around half of all cancers could be prevented by
lifestyle changes.
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of health information, said it
was vital patients reported any unusual symptoms to their GP and attended
regular screening clinics.
"We're concerned that cases of malignant melanoma are spiralling. Exposure
to UV radiation in sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer," she said.
"Most cases of this disease could be prevented if people protected
themselves in the sun and took care not to burn."
It was also revealed that mouth cancer rates had increased by almost a
quarter over the past decade. There were almost 5,000 new cases in 2004,
up from almost 3,700 ten years before. Research suggests most cases occur
in people who smoke or chew tobacco and regularly drink {*filter*}.
Health experts said yesterday it was crucial to raise awareness of warning
signs, as early detection made treatment easier and raised the chance of
recovery.
Over the past ten years, womb cancer rates have increased by more than 20
per cent. It is unclear exactly what causes the disease, but some factors
are known to increase risk. Overweight and obese women are twice as likely
to develop cancer of the uterus as women of a healthy weight.
Rates of kidney cancer have increased by more than 10 per cent over the
past decade, with smoking and obesity two of the major risk factors.
Scientists believe smoking doubles the risk of kidney cancer, but suggest
the risk of developing the illness falls when people quit.
Leading cancer specialist Professor Karol Sikora said people knew the
risks of drinking {*filter*} and sunbathing but refused to take them
seriously. He said: "Everyone knows that there are lifestyle risks to
cancer, and they ask what they can do to change it. But instead of
changing to a healthy lifestyle they go on cranky diets. This shows a need
to change habits."
Lucy Morrish, statistical information manager at Cancer Research UK, who
compiled the figures, said: "While rates for some cancers have fallen over
the past decade, others are rising and many of these cases could be
prevented if people avoided excessive sun exposure, smoking and obesity
and limited their {*filter*} intake.
"Our Reduce the Risk campaign encourages people to learn how they can lead
healthier lives and cut their risk of developing cancer."
Research shows that rates of cervical cancers are falling as a result of
the national screening programme, and, thanks to successful "quit smoking"
campaigns, lung cancer rates are continuing to decrease, especially among
men.
SCOURGE FROM THE SUN
RATES of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, have jumped by
40 per cent in a decade.
Sun exposure is the main and most preventable risk. The sun gives off UV
(ultraviolet) rays which can cause skin damagewhich can eventually lead to
skin cancer. Research suggests people who have had sunburn or intense sun
exposure in childhood are at an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Dermatologists say it is important to protect children's skin from the
sun.
Melanoma accounts for almost 3 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers.
DRINK AND TOBACCO TAKE TOLL
ALMOST 4,700 cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, with
630 people diagnosed in Scotland.
The disease causes more than 1,700 deaths every year, including 220 in
Scotland.
The most important factors linked to mouth cancer are tobacco use and
excessive consumption of {*filter*}.
In developed countries like the UK, the risk of {*filter*}cancer linked to
smoking and {*filter*} is estimated to be more than 80 per cent.
A lack of key vitamins in the diet, such as vitamin C, is also linked to
the disease.
KIDNEY TUMOUR SMOKING LINK
ALMOST 6,700 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year in the UK,
including more than 600 cases in Scotland.
Around 3,600 deaths are linked to the disease including 360 in Scotland.
The major risk factors for kidney cancer include obesity and smoking.
About 25 per cent of cases in men and 24 per cent in women in Europe are
linked to being overweight.
Smoking can increase the risk of kidney cancer by up to three-fold.
Approximately 24 per cent of cases in men and 9 per cent in women can be
attributed to smoking.
WEIGHT AFFECTS WOMB DISEASE
MORE than 6,400 cases of cancer of the uterus, or womb, are diagnosed in
the UK each year, including 500 in Scotland.
The disease causes around 1,650 deaths in the UK each year - more than 130
of them in Scotland.
Evidence suggests that the risk of womb cancer is two to three times
higher in the overweight and obese.
It is estimated that around 36 per cent of cases of the cancer in the UK
are caused by excess bodyweight.
It is thought a diet rich in foods such as soya, dried fruit and whole
grains could reduce womb cancer risks.
Cancer rates soar as people fail to heed warnings