British people 'unwilling to change lifestyles to reduce cancer risk', study finds
Posted 11th January 2016
A study* conducted on behalf of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust has uncovered worrying attitudes amongst Brits towards cancer.
The survey, which questioned 2,010 UK consumers on their opinions about cancer, also revealed a glaring lack of knowledge amongst many of the nation’s adults, showing that there is work still to be done in increasing widespread awareness and understanding of the disease.
Despite a recent medical study advising that up to 90% of cancers are caused by external factors**, the survey carried out for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre found that people are reluctant to change their lifestyle habits to reduce the risks, suggesting that many are prepared to take a chance with their health. The study has exposed that, when asked what Brits would be willing to do to reduce their risk of cancer:
- Just 20% of smokers questioned would quit
- Only half of the population (53%) would be willing to take up regular exercise
- 51% would not lose weight
- 60% would continue to top up their tans by sun-worshipping or using tanning beds
- Less than half (46%) would hit the hay earlier and get a better night’s sleep
- 34% wouldn’t opt for a healthier diet
- 59% of drinkers wouldn’t be willing to drink less
- 14% wouldn’t change a thing
The study also found that an unwillingness to make small lifestyle changes isn’t the only thing plaguing the nation when it comes to cancer awareness. Although 63% understand that the earlier you are diagnosed, the easier it is to treat cancer, the majority display a shocking lack of knowledge when it comes to signs and symptoms, even of the most ‘common’ cancers. According to the research, many people still aren’t sure what to look out for.
When asked if they felt confident that they would recognise the symptoms of different cancers, more than half said that they wouldn’t recognise the early signs of breast cancer. The figures were frighteningly low for the UK’s other three most common cancers, with just 14% knowing the symptoms of prostate cancer, 18% lung cancer and 24% bowel cancer. And well over 90% of people wouldn’t recognise symptoms of other common cancers including pancreatic, ovarian and uterine (womb) cancers:
| | Percentage of people who said they would recognise the signs and symptoms of the following cancers |
| Breast cancer | 46% |
| Skin cancer | 33% |
| Bowel cancer | 24% |
| Lung cancer | 18% |
| Testicular cancer | 16% |
| Cervical cancer | 14% |
| Prostate cancer | 14% |
| Ovarian cancer | 10% |
| Uterine cancer (cancer of the womb) | 6% |
| Pancreatic cancer | 6% |
| Cancer of the eye | 4% |
| Penile cancer (cancer of the penis) | 3% |
| Cancer of the nervous system | 2% |
| None of the above | 37% |
| | | |
As well as signs and symptoms, the research shows a huge span in the awareness levels of different types of cancer. There are over 200 types of cancer***, yet many people don’t realise just how many types there are, or that it can affect so many different parts of the body.
| | Percentage of people who say they have heard of this type of cancer |
| Breast | 92% |
| Lung | 87% |
| Prostate | 85% |
| Mouth | 81% |
| Cervix | 74% |
| Blood | 74% |
| Ovary | 72% |
| Bladder | 71% |
| Uterus (womb) | 62% |
| Thyroid | 56% |
| Eye | 34% |
| Neck | 30% |
| Penis | 28% |
| Nervous system | 18% |
| Muscle | 17% |
| Ear | 14% |
| None of the above | 1% |
| | | |
Interestingly, of those surveyed, 64% had had direct experience of cancer, either having had it themselves or with an immediate family member who had.
Dr Peter Kirkbride, Medical Director of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, said: “A healthier lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer as well as improving general health and wellbeing. Eating better, moving more, drinking less alcohol and reducing sun exposure will mean you’re much less likely to develop cancer, and smokers can get lots of support to help them quit.
“Recognising early symptoms of cancer could save your life – the sooner you’re diagnosed and start treatment, the better the outcome – but this survey has revealed that many people just don’t know what warning signs to look out for. On top of this, there are many types of cancer that people haven’t heard of at all. Cancer can occur anywhere in the body.
“Cancer treatment is progressing all the time and places like The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre are carrying out new research and clinical trials, both for common and rarer cancers. It’s really important, however, that we all do what we can to reduce our chances of developing cancer by leading healthier lifestyles – and that people know what symptoms to look out for and consult a healthcare professional if they develop them.
“Early diagnosis and early treatment helps save lives.”
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, based in Merseyside, is one of the largest, networked cancer centres in the UK. Combining world-class clinical services, research and academic excellence, it is one of the UK’s leading providers of non-surgical cancer treatment including pioneering chemotherapy, radiotherapy and eye proton therapy.
ENDS
*Independent study of 2,010 UK consumers, conducted by The Leadership Factor in December 2015
*** Research from Stony Brook University, New York, published in ‘Nature’ December 2015
***Cancer Research UK
