A DUNDEE CANCER expert believes there is a long way to go to push home the message that lifestyle changes are necessary to reduce Scotland’s high cancer rate.

A new study by YouGov showed Scots are the most knowledgeable people in Great Britain about the link between cancer, diet and physical activity despite having the highest cancer rates in the UK.

According to the findings, 57% of people in Scotland knew being overweight is linked to cancer, compared to a nationwide average of 47%.

Scotland was also above average when it came to knowing that not being physically active, having a poor diet, and drinking alcohol can also increase cancer risk.

However, 60% of Scottish people did not know drinking alcohol increased the chance of developing cancer, while 63% did not know about the link between physical activity and cancer.

This is despite the fact scientific research has shown between 30% and 40% of cancers could be prevented just by having a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.

Dr Colin Henderson of Dundee University’s Biomedical Research Centre and staff scientist with Cancer Research UK said last night although people are becoming more knowledgeable about the link between diet and physical activity in Scotland, they are not making the relevant lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of contracting the disease.

“I think it’s similar to a recent story in the news that said that the people using sunbeds the most know that they’re doing damage but continue to do it anyway.

“At least the education is working, but with regards to helping people implement changes there now perhaps needs to be more practical guidance offered.”

Nevertheless, he went on to say the study’s findings show current education programmes are creating a positive effect.

“They (education programmes) need to now go a step further and help people a bit more somehow to actively change their lifestyle,” Dr Henderson added.

“Lung cancer rates are definitely falling in men but are still rising in women owing to the levels of cigarette consumption—it may be another generation before this changes.

“I think we need to continually push home the message that lifestyle changes are necessary.”

Although Scotland has a higher than average level of knowledge about cancer prevention, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), which commissioned the study, warned far too many people north of the border are not taking steps to reduce their susceptibility.

Dr Greg Martin, science and research manager for WCRF, said, “While it seems that Scots know the most about cancer prevention, it is still a shame that so many of them are not aware about how they can reduce cancer risk.

“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.

“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.”

Lucie Galice, general manager of WCRF, said, “As a charity we are committed to spreading the message that healthy eating, physical activity and weight management can reduce cancer risk.

“Scotland has the highest rates of cancer in the UK, which makes it really important that people understand that if they are overweight, have a poor diet and are not physically active, then they can be putting themselves at a much higher risk of cancer.”

Evidence suggests around half of all cases of cancer diagnosed in the UK could be avoided if people made changes to their lifestyle.