Volunteers at the Cancer Research UK shop in Johnstone had a special visitor on Friday, Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur. He came to lend his support to Cancer Research UK’s Scale Down Cancer campaign, the aim of which is to help prevent obesity-related cancers across Scotland.
Scotland has one of the heaviest populations in Europe, with around two-thirds (65%) of adults in Scotland and more than one quarter (28%) of children, overweight or obese.
Given that obesity is the single biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking, it is important that action is taken to tackle Scotland’s obesity challenges.
The Cancer Research UK campaign asks politicians to support a call to ensure cancer is “scaled down to size” in Scotland.
Nearly 40% of all calories are purchased as a result of price promotions.
This is why restricting supermarket multi-buy discounts on foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt, are among a range of measures that Cancer Research UK wants to see put in place at the heart of the expected Scottish Government strategy to improve Scots’ diets.
Tom Arthur MSP said: “Four in ten cancers are preventable, yet not enough of us know that obesity is the single biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking. Given the devastating impact that cancer has on families in Renfrewshire South, it’s vital we take action on obesity.
“We mustn’t let obesity continue to be the new normal in Scotland, and that’s why I’m joining forces with Cancer Research UK and the Scale Down Cancer campaign.”
Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior public affairs manager in Scotland said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Tom to our Johnstone shop to meet staff and volunteers, and we welcome his support for our Scale Down Cancer campaign.
“Cancer Research UK is clear that action to restrict multi-buy promotions on junk food is one of the most effective measures available, taking a big step to make healthier choices the norm.
“Proposals for a new obesity strategy are anticipated soon and we urge the Scottish Government to take a strong lead. The nation’s poor health justifies strong action.”
Find out more about the campaign at cruk.org/ScaleDownCancer.
Main Photo: Tom Arthur MSP, Manager Vicky and Assistant Manager Melanie pictured with volunteers at Cancer Research UK shop in Johnstone on Friday 18th August 2017