The figures are for 12 common cancers and include an estimated 19,100 cases of breast cancer and 16,100 cases of bowel cancer. Only six out of 10 (60%) people in the UK are aware of the link between diet and cancer, while only 59% know of the link with excess body fat and 45% of the benefit of exercise. Professor Martin Wiseman, medical and scientific adviser for the WCRF, said: “These estimates set out in stark terms just how high the stakes are and show what could be achieved through making relatively simple lifestyle changes.
“Many people still think of cancer as a question of fate but this emphasises that people can significantly reduce their risk by eating healthily, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight”. He stressed that “having a healthy lifestyle is by no means a guarantee against cancer. “But if everyone followed our recommendations, it would mean that tens of thousands of cases in the UK would be prevented every year”