ALMOST half of all Scots are not aware that being fat can increase their risk of developing cancer, despite the country being in the grip of an obesity crisis.

A poll for World Cancer Research Fund has found that 42 per cent of Scottish adults don’t realise that being overweight increases their chances of getting cancer.

The YouGov poll also found that over half of Scottish adults (55 per cent) are not aware that not being active increases the risk of cancer and that nearly 40 per cent are not aware of the cancer risks linked to eating a poor diet (38 per cent) or drinking alcohol (39 per cent).

The figures were described by the charity as “alarming”, given that 65 per cent of the Scottish adult population is currently overweight or obese and at an increased risk of developing 10 different cancers including bowel, breast and pancreas due to their weight.

Second to not smoking, being a healthy weight is the most important thing people can do to reduce their cancer risk. World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented through choosing a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight.

The charity has launched a campaign, I CAN, to improve these low levels of awareness and encourage people to take action.

The campaign will also help people to stick to healthy New Year’s resolutions that could reduce their cancer risk.

Amanda McLean, director at World Cancer Research Fund UK, said: “It is worrying that so many Scots are still not aware that being overweight can increase their chances of developing cancer.

“In fact our research has shown that about 24,000 cancer cases in the UK could be avoided if everyone was a healthy weight.

“This New Year we hope people will get behind our campaign, I CAN, and make small changes to their lifestyles, they could make a huge difference to their health.

“It doesn’t have to be anything too difficult – cutting down on high-calorie foods and sugary drinks, drinking less alcohol, or even 10 to 15 extra minutes each day of physical activities such as brisk walking could all help to decrease a person’s cancer risk.”

The poll showed that out of England, Scotland and Wales, Wales is the country where adults are the least aware that being overweight (51 per cent), physically inactive (44 per cent), eating a poor diet (59 per cent) and drinking alcohol (52 per cent) all increase the risk of developing cancer.


Cancer survivor appeals for charity run volunteers