SOME 20,000 cases of breast cancer in the UK - and at least 2,000 in Scotland - could be prevented each year if women led a more healthy lifestyle, a charity has warned.
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) said being more physically active, reducing alcohol consumption and staying at a healthy weight could significantly reduce rates of breast cancer. With about 47,600 cases of breast cancer recorded in the UK
2008, including 4,200 in Scotland, the charity estimated that around 42 per cent of these could be avoided through healthier lifestyle choices.
But with higher rates of alcohol and obesity in Scotland, the number of cases of breast cancer linked to lifestyle could be even higher.
Breast cancer campaigners yesterday said while lifestyle factors played a role in some cases of breast cancer, there were still other causes that remained unknown. The WCRF, which made the estimate based on its Preventability of Cancer by Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity report, said women should take action to help reduce their cancer risk.
Dr Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science at WCRF, said: "These figures show that we still have a long way to go to raise awareness about what women can do to prevent breast cancer.
"It is very worrying that in the UK there are still tens of thousands of cases of breast cancer which could be prevented every year. Breast cancer can be prevented by cutting down on drinking, being more physically active and carrying less body fat."
Dr Thompson said there was convincing evidence that alcohol consumption increased the risk of breast cancer, as well as data showing that fat levels can raise the risk and regular exercise reduce it.
"What these figures show is that people can do a lot to reduce their chances of developing cancer," she said.
"Overall, we estimate about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented through a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight."
Breast cancer charities said regardless of lifestyle, it was vital women remained vigilant for the early signs of cancer.
Dr Lisa Wilde, director of research and the Breast Cancer Campaign, said: "Diet and lifestyle are significant breast cancer risk factors.
"We would therefore recommend that people who want to lower their risk of developing the disease reduce their alcohol consumption, take exercise whenever possible and maintain a healthy weight.
"However, it is important to remember that there are many other breast cancer risk factors and we cannot control two of the biggest - age and family history of the disease.
"Therefore, finding breast cancer early when most treatable gives the best possible chance of survival - so it is vital to be breast aware and report any changes to your GP."
Source: http://news.scotsman.com By Lyndsay Buckland
