Obesity Overtaking Smoking As Biggest Female Cancer Risk

MICHAEL PICKARD

Obesity is outpacing smoking to become the biggest preventable cause of cancer among women within the next 25 years. By 2035, 10 percent of cancers in women – 25,000 cases – could be caused by smoking, compared to nine percent (23,000 cases) by excess weight.

But a report by Cancer Research UK suggests obesity could cause more cases of cancer in women than smoking by 2043.

Simon Stevens, NHS England’s chief executive, said: “Obesity is the new smoking, one of the greatest public health challenges of our generation, placing people at much greater risk of cancers, heart attacks and other killer conditions as well as Type 2 diabetes.”

Though more men than women are overweight or obese, obesity has a greater effect on women, with some of the most common obesity-related cancers more likely to affect them, such as breast and womb cancers.

For men the crossover between obesity and smoking-related cases of cancer is likely to take place much later, with forecasts showing smoking is still estimated to cause nearly twice as many cancers (34,000) in males than excess weight (18,000) by 2035.

Cancer Research UK is now launching a campaign to increase awareness that obesity causes cancer, in the same way publicity about smoking has helped to drive down the use of cigarettes.

Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’s prevention expert, said: “Obesity is a huge public health threat right now and it will only get worse if nothing is done.

“The Government must build on the lessons of smoking prevention to reduce the number of weight-related cancers by making it easier to keep a healthy weight and protect children.”

The charity is also calling for measures to protect children, such as a ban on TV junk food adverts before the 9pm watershed and for restrictions on price promotions for unhealthy food products.

Mr Stevens said the NHS is looking at ways to ensure patients can tackle obesity themselves before the health service steps in.

He added: “Expanding waistlines also mean a heavier burden for taxpayers which is why, as we draw up a long-term plan for the NHS, we are exploring all options to help patients to help themselves and help the NHS.”