Cancer rates in WA could be cut dramatically but 'no magic bullets'

February 26, 2009

More than 2,500 cases of cancer in Western Australia and 1,000 cancer deaths could be avoided every year if more West Australians adopted a healthier lifestyle according to new data in a major international report released today.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) "Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention" report released in London today, an estimated one quarter of all cancers diagnosed are preventable through healthy eating, increased physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing alcohol consumption.

Reducing smoking rates and reducing sun exposure during high UV periods of the day were also noted as important factors to help prevent cancer.

Terry Slevin, Director Education and Research for the Cancer Council WA said the Cancer Council wholeheartedly welcomed and endorsed this latest research.

“This is the most authoritative advice yet on what we need to do to reduce cancer rates and it sounds another urgent warning for West Australians to adopt a healthier lifestyle to reduce their cancer risk,” said Mr Slevin. 

The 'Policy Report' is a scientifically rigorous summary of strategies to help reduce the enormous burden of cancer worldwide.

It builds on a 2007 WCRF landmark report on food, nutrition, physical activity and the prevention of cancer, which summarised the evidence connecting lifestyle factors to cancer risk.

“We know that some of the solutions to the problems of poor diet, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity are challenging, at an individual, organisational, social and industry level.”

“There are no magic bullets to turning around this otherwise inevitable explosion of cancer rates in WA and around the world, but it is vital we take up the challenge.”

“When you consider that more than 12,500 new cases of cancer are likely to be diagnosed in WA in 2015 and over 4,500 West Australians will die from cancer, there is plenty of motivation for everyone to join together the help reduce this unacceptable burden of cancer.”

The report recommends a cooperative approach to cancer prevention is adopted by governments, companies, and institutions like schools, health agencies, workplaces and the media.

Mr Slevin said the Cancer Council supported, endorsed and promoted this approach through a wide range of education programs and policy initiatives.

“This WCRF report provides a clear way forward to reduce the number of West Australians who will be diagnosed with cancer in the future.

“It’s up to everyone including individuals and families to play a role in tackling cancer prevention by embracing the recommendations in this report,” said Mr Slevin.