Australia on cancer collision course
A leading international cancer expert has warned that Australia is on a cancer collision course, with a huge spike in cancer cases expected within the next 20 years unless action is taken on the growing obesity epidemic.
Poor diet and lack of exercise, along with habits such as smoking and drinking excessive alcohol, are feeding the anticipated escalation of figures – already set to double in the next two decades.
That’s the verdict of Professor Graham Colditz, an Australian cancer prevention expert based in the US, who says that overweight and obesity together currently costs the country about $21 billion per year - a number that could rocket if we fail to act now.
“Australia’s increasingly older population in the next 25 years will result in double the number of cancer cases being diagnosed,” said Professor Colditz, who visited NSW recently to help Cancer Council promote cancer prevention.
“When you include the additional consequences of obesity, we could see a major spike to the number of cancer cases, diabetes and other life threatening diseases, placing immense strain on the wellbeing of Australians and the health system.
“But the future is not written in stone. Up to half of cancers are preventable though simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising and eating healthily,” said Professor Colditz.
Tammy Wilson, from Cancer Council’s Eat It To Beat It Program said: “Obesity is a problem in Australia and the Hunter region, with one in four children being obese or overweight.
“This is why Eat It To Beat It is being piloted in the area. We are trying to reverse these figures by helping local families with primary school children to eat more fruit and vegetables through practical Fruit and Veg parent sessions, cooking classes and the school Fruit ’n’ Veg Fundraiser.
“Several exciting sessions are planned in the next few months and we encourage parents to get in touch to find out how you can benefit.”
For information about Eat It To Beat It and some delicious family recipe ideas visit: http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/eatittobeatit, or call Tammy Wilson on (02) 4923 0704.
