People in the UK are largely ignorant of links between obesity and cancer, campaigners warned today.
Obesity is linked to ten types of cancer, according to Cancer Research UK, but only in the cases of bowel and liver cancer do a majority of people recognise the link.
Its survey found that 69% of people are ignorant of a link between breast cancer and obesity.
Some 78% were unaware of a link between obesity and ovarian cancer.
More than 3,000 people took part in the survey.
Asked without reference to specific cancers, some 75% said they did not know obesity was linked to cancer.
Levels of ignorance were greatest among those with least educational qualifications and were also greater among men than women.
Alison Cox, from the charity, said: “It’s the Government’s responsibility to inform the public of the link and also to take action to tackle the obesity epidemic, starting with the health of the nation’s children."
She added: "It’s great the Government’s childhood obesity plan includes a sugary drinks tax, but it’s not enough to curb the rising tide of ill-health."
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