Obesity needs to be addressed now
Obesity is responsible for Britain’s shocking cancer statistics, according to new research.
The UK’s fastest growing weight-loss specialists warn that cancer statistics will not improve until Britain’s burgeoning obesity epidemic slows down.
Last week, cancer studies pointed to expanding waistlines being the best indicator of future incidence of colon cancers and this week the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) named the UK as Europe’s worst sufferer from oesophageal cancer.
Holly Finnegan, nutritionist for weight-loss specialists All About Weight said: “As the UK has one of the highest rates of obesity in Europe it is no big surprise that we also have the highest rate of oesophageal cancer.
“Alcohol is the factor most commonly known to increase your risk but as with many other cancers, like colon cancer for example, overweight is a significant factor.
“As our rates of obesity continue to rise, sadly rates of many cancers are also likely to increase.”
The WCRF rated Britain joint 31st-worst in the world for the incidence of oesophageal cancer - alongside Rwanda.
Rachel Thompson, WCRF Deputy Head of Science, said: "The fact that the UK has the highest rate of oesophageal cancer in Europe is a real concern because it is a type of cancer that has a particularly low survival rate.
"The good news is that not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, cutting down on alcohol and eating more of a variety of fruits and vegetables will not just reduce your risk of oesophageal cancer. It will also reduce your risk of other types of cancer, as well as being good for health generally."
Unlike most cancers, the rates of incidence of oesophageal cancer are generally higher in poorer rather than richer countries. There are two types of oesophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma which is generally linked to drinking and smoking and adenocarcinoma - which is adversely affecting the UK – which is linked to obesity.