Obesity linked to 5,000 bowel cancer cases

Cancer Research UK has outlined that almost 5,000 cases of bowel cancer in Scotland over the last decade have been caused by obesity.

The charity described the findings as a ‘huge worry’ and has called for restrictions on offers for unhealthy food and more to be done to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Official figures show there are around 3,800 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed in Scotland each year and about 1,600 people die from the disease annually.

Recent research has also linked obesity to 13 types of cancer, with scientists claiming that resistance to insulin, a hormone important in the breakdown of food, is one likely explanation. Specifically research has suggested that high levels of insulin in the body causes cells to divide more rapidly, raising the likelihood of the cells changing and leading to cancer.

Prof Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK's cancer prevention expert based at the University of Stirling, said: "It is a huge worry to see so many bowel cancer cases being caused by excess weight, and to see that proportion rising as more of the population becomes overweight or obese.

"It is also now more common for adults in Scotland to be overweight or obese than a healthy weight. In the face of this, the Scottish government has a responsibility to take action and introduce an obesity strategy which will help everyone to make healthy choices.

"Cancer Research UK believes restricting multi-buy offers on unhealthy foods and drinks would go a long way to improving the health of the nation.

"The Scottish government can and must do more and its forthcoming strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to introduce measures that will have a profound impact on our lives."

Responding to the findings, Aileen Campbell, minister for Public Health and Sport, said: "As part of that, we are looking at what further effective actions we can take within the powers available to us, including action on the use of multi-buy promotions.

"We are also engaging with the food and drink industry on action to offer healthier choices, rebalance promotions, and reformulate products, with a focus on reducing calories, salt, fats and added sugar.

"Last year we launched our £100 million Cancer Strategy, which will serve as a blueprint for the future of cancer services in Scotland, improving the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of those affected by the disease."