GAVIN NEWLANDS MP LEARNS HOW TO STACK THE ODDS AGAINST CANCER
G
avin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, attended a Cancer Research UK event in Westminster earlier this week to learn more about how lifestyle changes can reduce people’s risk of getting cancer.
The MP met with campaigners and nurses from the charity’s Cancer Awareness Roadshow, to find out more about their work on cancer prevention.
More than four in ten cancer cases in the UK could be prevented each year*, with smoking and obesity being the biggest avoidable causes of the disease.
But while the dangers of smoking are well known, many are unaware of the link between obesity and cancer.
This is particularly concerning when 65% of people in Scotland are currently overweight or obese**.
Gavin Newlands MP said: “We’ve come such a long way in the fight against cancer, it’s shocking to hear that so many cases in Paisley and Renfrewshire North, and across the country, could be prevented.
“The numbers make it clear we need to act now to help people to make positive lifestyle changes, such as becoming more active and maintaining a healthy weight.
“While there are no guarantees against the disease, I want to do everything I can to help my constituents, and their families stack the odds in their favour and lead long and healthy lives.”
The Westminster event coincided with the launch of Cancer Research UK’s new ‘Junk Free TV’ campaign, which aims to help address children’s obesity.
It calls for the removal of junk food adverts on TV before the 9pm watershed, to help reduce the impact of this negative influence over children’s food choices.
Alison Cox, Director of Cancer Prevention at Cancer Research UK, said: “It’s great to have Gavin’s support with raising awareness of how people can reduce their risk of cancer.
“There are a lot of things working against us when it comes to making healthier choices. We’re all bombarded by advertising of junk foods packed with extra calories and this leads kids to pester their parents to buy unhealthy food for them.
“That’s why we’re calling on Government to introduce a number of measures to protect the health of the nation’s children, including removing junk food advertising on TV before the 9pm watershed.
“Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, so it’s vital that young people are encouraged to eat healthily and keep active and that healthy choices are easy to make.”
To support the Junk Free TV campaign, visit cruk.org/junkfreetv
