The latest cancer awareness advert on TV compares the odd of event happening in our lifetime, such as becoming an astronaut or tripping when we are texting. It ends with the figures of our chances of getting cancer, which averages across genders as 1 in 3, but the risk is slightly more in men. (1 in 2 for men, and 1 in 3 for women). The full advert can be seen here:
This advert suggests that there is nothing we can do to prevent cancer development. It compares it to events which we have no control over like getting stuck in a lift. After watching it, it gives the feeling that all we can do is donate to treating cancer, in case we do develop it. After all 1 in 3 is a very high odd, and using those statistics a number of our friends and relatives will end up with cancer even if we don’t! But, unlike getting trapped in a lift, we can heavily influence our personal risk of cancer.
Reducing Cancer Risk
- Little or no exercise
- Little or no fruit and vegetables in your diet
- Heavily processed foods/ fast foods/ pre-prepared meals (such as microwave meals)
- Foods high in sugars
- Smoking
By minimising the above items in your life, your chance of developing cancer will dramatically drop