Overweight men at risk of cancer

MEN are facing a cancer timebomb — simply because too many of them are fat and eat the wrong foods, according to a new survey.

An Irish Cancer Society (ICS) poll of 600 men revealed two-thirds were either overweight or obese, putting them at greater risk of the disease.

Now the ICS is using men's cancer action week, which began yesterday, to persuade the country's two million men to take their weight more seriously.

Dr Ian Banks, an expert in men's health, said: "Unfortunately the waistline can no longer be considered the preserve of women only.

"Experts are only really beginning to understand the complexities involved in how diet affects cancer risk but men need to control the risk factors they can control."

Experts estimate that, in western Europe, 37% of incidents of throat cancers and a quarter of kidney cancer cases are down to the sufferer being overweight or obese. Just over 10% of bowel cancer cases are also related.

Yet, in Japan, levels of these cancers are much lower because of factors like diet and weight, according to ICS spokeswoman Jane Curtain.

The ICS said 46% of the men it surveyed were overweight, while a further 20% were obese.

However, only a fifth admitted to a weight problem and not one man classed himself as obese.

Just over three-fifths recognised that being overweight was a risk but only 38% took action to keep at the right weight.

Only half said they had a balanced diet and 54% claimed to be physically active both of which are vital in reducing the risk of cancer.

Now the ICS, which campaigns to raise awareness of cancer and funds research into cures, is staging free roadshows so more men get the message about the disease.

ICS workers will be offering information leaflets tailored to men's cancers while visitors can also get weighed and have their waistlines measured.

ICS chief executive John McCormack said: "We're not expecting men to go on extreme diets or become athletes overnight.

"They could simply make small changes in what they eat and also put a bit more energy into everyday activities.

"The key is that men take more seriously the issue of weight and cancer by becoming more aware of their bodies, by keeping themselves informed and by seeing their doctor more regularly."

The roadshow, housed in a double decker bus, is in St Stephen's Green, Dublin, today and at Galway's Spanish Arch tomorrow and Thursday.

The bus is in Grand Parade, Cork City, on Friday and Saturday.

The ICS runs a free cancer helpline, which can be contacted on 1800 200 700.