Obesity linked to five more cancers that previously thought

A major new report from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)  finds that obesity is linked to 12 different cancers, five more than previously thought. As part of its 10-point plan to prevent cancer, the WCRF recommends maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and limiting consumption of processed foods, red meat, alcohol and sugary drinks.

The report comes at a pertinent time in Britain. Childhood obesity is high, with around one-third of children leaving primary school either overweight or obese. The NHS is struggling, and the number of people treated for conditions caused or worsened by obesity increased by 18% last year. With the rise in obesity predicted to continue, and with it, the spread of related illnesses – including but not limited to some cancers, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes – the strain on the NHS will only increase.

The NHS is struggling, and the number of people treated for conditions caused or worsened by obesity increased by 18% last year

In April, the government’s sugar tax came into effect, as part of an effort to reduce the crisis. The tax imposes a levy on soft drinks with added sugar; companies can choose whether to absorb the cost or to charge the consumer. Alternatively, they can lower the sugar content of their products to avoid the tax altogether. The money raised from the tax – believed to be about £240 million – will be put towards sports facilities for children.

The sugar tax is a step in the right direction, but the government is now facing calls to take more drastic measures. Campaigners are particularly focussed on protecting children. Food brands target children because they are impressionable and because they see an opportunity to ensure a lifetime of loyalty to their brand.

Campaigners are particularly focussed on protecting children

At the top of campaigners’ agenda is a ban on advertising before the television watershed for foods high in sugar, salts and fats. Such advertising is already forbidden on children-specific programmes, but children’s watching habits are by no means limited to children-specific programmes. It makes sense, then, not to limit the ban on advertising either.

Consumers should, of course, be encouraged to eat less of the food that is damaging to their health and to take more exercise. But they cannot make those decisions if the information is not available to them, or if prices prevent it. Research suggests that many consumers would willingly make different decisions if nutritional information was clearly presented on products.

Consumers should, of course, be encouraged to eat less of the food that is damaging to their health and to take more exercise

The onus must therefore not fall entirely on the consumer. Sugars hidden in many daily-consumed products, such as bread, yoghurt, and salad dressings, are difficult to avoid. A clear labelling system and a sugar tax that extends to products beyond sugary drinks could force companies into a reduction added sugar. The WCRF’s other recommendation, that physical exercise be an ingrained part of day-to-day life, can also be affected by the government, by making it easy to walk or cycle, and prioritising the maintenance of sports facilities.

The financial cost of cancer is surpassed only by the human and emotional cost. Government measures to reduce smoking – the ban on tobacco advertising and the ban on smoking in public places – were not universally welcomed but have proved to be very effective. After the WCRF’s report, the government should not be afraid to implement similar measures surrounding diet, for the good of its NHS, and for the good of its citizens.