Four in 10 cancer cases could be prevented by lifestyle changes

Adam Saville
clock • 2 min read

Smoking still biggest culprit and obesity second - however only 15% know the latter is connected

Research by Cancer Research UK has indicated that more than 2,500 cancer cases a week could be avoided in the UK through lifestyle changes and that the two biggest causes of the disease are smoking and obesity. The findings, published in the British Journal of Cancer, show more than 135,000 cases of cancer could be prevented each year - around four in 10 cases - by simple changes such as stopping smoking, healthy weight, eating healthy and cutting back on alcohol. "We took data from national surveys showing how common each risk factor is in the population, and data from the UK cancer ...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

Everyday accidents causing a mental health toll: National Friendly

Everyday accidents causing a mental health toll: National Friendly

Frequency of accidents was higher among under-35s

Jaskeet Briah
clock 08 May 2025 • 2 min read
Claims and Underwriting: Delays in a life cover pay out

Claims and Underwriting: Delays in a life cover pay out

“Put yourselves in their shoes, it's not nice”

Jaskeet Briah
clock 08 May 2025 • 7 min read
Broadstone appoints Bill Pedersen as NED

Broadstone appoints Bill Pedersen as NED

Supporting growth in insurance

Jaskeet Briah
clock 07 May 2025 • 1 min read