International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Leading a healthier lifestyle could help prevent cancer, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has claimed.

Figures from the charity show that about 78,700 cases of 12 common cancers could be prevented. This includes 16,100 cases of bowel and 19,100 cases of breast cancer.

Commenting on the statistics, Dr Laura Bell, science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said it has been known for a long time that changes to lifestyle could help prevent thousands of cases each year.

Maintaining a healthy weight, giving up smoking and staying clear of sunbeds are some of the ways risk can be reduced, she advised.

WCRF also found that just one in six people surveyed were aware of the link between diet and cancer.

Dr Bell said: "It's worrying that many people don't know about the links between lifestyle and cancer risk. It's important to raise awareness of the risks that most of us can do something about."

Posted by Carla Mackenzie