Feeling fruity to lessen your risk of getting cancer

The YouGov survey, commissioned by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), found that only 48 per cent of Northerners knew a poor diet could increase your cancer risk, compared to a Great Britain average of 54 per cent.

And Northerners also scored the worst when it came to knowing that being overweight, not being physically active, and drinking alcohol are all linked to cancer.

This is despite the fact that scientific research shows that between 30 and 40 per cent of cancers could be prevented just by having a healthy die - such as more fruit and veg, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Dr Greg Martin, Science and Research Manager for WCRF, said: “It really is a shame that so many people are not aware enough about how they can reduce their cancer risk, particularly in the North.

“The fact that diet, weight and physical activity are closely linked to cancer has been well-known in the science community for many years. But unfortunately the message has not been getting through to the general public, and because people do not know the facts, many are dying unnecessarily.”

Only 33 per cent knew about the link to drinking alcohol, compared to an average of 35 per cent, while 30 per cent knew about the link to physical activity, compared to an average of 33 per cent.

People aged 35 to 44 were most likely to know how to prevent cancer, with 61 per cent knowing that a poor diet was linked to cancer risk. But people aged over 44 were least likely to know about the link, with just 28 per cent of people over 55 knowing about the link between alcohol and cancer .

“This is really frustrating, because by making just a few small changes to their lifestyle people can make a real difference to their cancer risk, and also to their long-term quality of life,“ said Dr Martin.

“As a charity we are committed to spreading the message that healthy eating, physical activity and weight management can reduce cancer risk, but the results of this survey show that across the country, and particularly in the North, there is still a long way to go.

“If they are overweight, have a poor diet and are not physically active, then they can be putting themselves at a higher risk of cancer.”