Briefings: cancer prevention and public health policy
Our cancer risk is greatly affected by the way we live our lives. Research suggests that half of all cancers could be prevented by changes to our lifestyle.
The choices we make about whether or not we smoke, how healthy our diet is, how regularly we exercise, and a range of other factors, all have an impact on our cancer risk. And some people feel that it's not the Government's job to tell people what they can and can't do when in comes lifestyle issues.
However, when looking at public policy in these areas, there is a balance to be struck between personal freedom and state intervention. There are times when the Government can step in to make the healthy choice the easy choice.
For example, the smokefree legislation would protect workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke and help smokers to quit. Cancer Research UK has been lobbying MPs to encourage them to vote for measures in the Health Bill that will provide comprehensive smokefree legislation, that will protect workers in pubs and private members' clubs.
- Read our latest briefing on the issue.
Improving the nutritional information on food packaging would help people to understand whether the foods they are buying are high in sugar, salt and fat. Read Cancer Research UK's response to the FSA consultation on food labelling.
Changing health behaviours is often difficult and may take many years. The UK needs increased investment in cancer prevention and health promotion strategies, supported by funding for research. Research is essential to clarify health messages, to target specific groups effectively, and to design appropriate interventions to encourage the adoption of healthier lifestyles.
In this section you can find out more about our policy on:
Learn more about healthy living and our Reduce the Risk campaign to raise awareness off the risk factors for cancer.
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