Ulster Cancer Foundation Marks World Cancer Day

Derval McVerry
3 February 2010 - 12:14pm
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Tagged as:

• Charity
• Communications
• Education and training
• Prevent Cancer
• World Cancer Day

The risks of developing cancer can be reduced significantly

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) - a global consortium of cancer organisations - will lead a year-long communication campaign to educate local people on simple measures they can take to prevent cancer.  The campaign called 'Cancer can be prevented too' will be launched on World Cancer Day, 4th February 2010. 

The campaign's core message focuses on how the risk of developing cancer can significantly be reduced through simple steps - stop smoking and limit alcohol intake, avoid excessive sun exposure and maintain a healthy weight by eating healthily and exercising regularly.

Globally, cancer accounts for one in eight of all deaths which is more than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.  Each year, over 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer and around 7.6 million die of the disease.*

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, "In Northern Ireland one in three people will
develop cancer during their lifetime and around 10,700 people are newly diagnosed every year. 
Most cancers are preventable in fact, research shows that around two thirds of all cancers could be prevented if we stop smoking, avoid sunburn, eat a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintain a healthy weight and lead an active lifestyle. 

"There are lots of practical steps we can take to prevent cancer which can easily be incorporated
into our everyday lives.  Diet alone has been linked to at least 35% of cancers so eating 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day is a simple but very important health message.  We all have the power to reduce our risk of cancer.  By making behavioural changes and developing long-term lifestyle choices we could see a dramatic and sustained fall in cancer rates in Northern Ireland." 

UCF provides a range of interactive education programmes which include training, presentations
and workshops to help local people adopt healthy, realistic strategies to help prevent cancer.  UCF provides these services in a variety of settings including workplaces, community groups, sports clubs and
schools throughout Northern Ireland. 

UCF also provide a free Stop Smoking Service which gives smokers vital support at a time and place convenient to them in venues such as GP practices, community centres, schools and workplaces. 
Smokers learn about their smoking habits, how to cope with the symptoms of physical withdrawal as well as behavioural support to help break the habit. 

For further information on UCF's services please call UCF's Cancer Prevention Team on 028 9066 3281 or log onto www.ulstercancer.or

-ends-

For further information please contact

Pauline Wylie, PR & Events Manager, UCF on

028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118

or

Derval McVerry, PR & Events Officer, UCF on

028 9066 3281 / 07812 525531

Notes to Editors

* Statistics provided by the International Union Against Cancer www.uicc.org

• The Ulster Cancer Foundation is a local charity committed to tackling cancer by supporting cancer research, providing services for cancer patients and their families and by educating people on how they can reduce their risk of the disease.

• The International Union Against Cancer (UICC): Founded in 1933, UICC is the world's leading
  consortium of cancer-fighting organizations, with over 300 members spanning Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.