"Reduce your risk" says local MP

11.46.16am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 2nd Feb 2006

Andrew about to spin the 'Wheel of Life'

This week, local MP Andrew Stunell helped to launch the second year of Cancer Research UK's Reduce the Risk campaign and called for people in Stockport to look at ways they can help prevent cancer through lifestyle changes.

Speaking at the Cancer Research Healthy Living Day event in Parliament, Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell said:

"Top of the risks is smoking. So the most important thing people can do to reduce their cancer risk is to stop smoking. That's one of the reasons why I will be voting for an end to smoking in all workplaces and public places later this month.

"Regular exposure to second hand smoke increases your risk of lung cancer by 25 per cent - I will do all I can to protect people in Stockport from this risk.

"Half of all cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes so it is in our own interests to do all we can to reduce the risk."

Dr Lesley Walker, Director of Cancer Information at Cancer Research UK, added:

"Our Reduce the Risk campaign highlights five important ways you can lower your cancer risk, including stopping smoking, staying in shape, eating and drinking healthily, being Sun Smart and reporting anything unusual to your doctor."

Notes to Editors:

1. Visit www.reducetherisk.org.uk for more details.

2. Call Jane Allen, 0207 2195223 for a photograph of Andrew Stunell MP at the launch event.

3. Being obese or overweight is one of the most significant preventable causes of cancer in non-smokers yet rates of obesity are increasing. Obesity is linked with an increased risk of bowel, kidney, oesophageal, stomach and womb cancers, as well as breast cancer in post-menopausal women.