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Unhealthy state: NSW lifestyle report card puts weight, diet, physical activity, drinking habits to the test

Media releases
21 Sep 2012
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The Cancer Institute NSW has released the NSW Lifestyle Report Card which paints a grim picture of the lifestyle behaviours of the State. Men and women are falling short of the recommended intake of vegetables, many are not exercising enough and drinking well above recommended guidelines.

"The lifestyle decisions we make every day have a direct impact on our risk of cancer. Thirty-seven per cent of cancer is preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices, and this report indicates people across NSW have some room for improvement," says Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow.

Each and every individual across the State should take action to reduce their personal risk of developing cancer by making simple changes to what they eat, drink and how often they exercise.

Despite 71 per cent of people surveyed believing improvements in diet can reduce their chances of getting cancer, women average only three servings of vegetables and men only two-and-a-half out of the recommended five a day. Only half the State believes that exercise reduces their risk of getting cancer.

Professor Currow also says that with such a deficit when it comes to healthy eating and exercise, it is no surprise that 57 per cent of men and 42 per cent of women are overweight or obese.

"The report indicates that people are aware of the health risks associated with being overweight and carrying excess abdominal fat, but are struggling to put this information into practice. Making simple lifestyle changes to increase the amount of physical activity you get a week can make a huge difference to your health and help prevent cancer. Add an hour of exercise to your week and your body will thank you," says Professor Currow.

Binge drinking patterns are higher among young adults (18 - 24 years), but across every age group people are drinking more than is recommended - both in frequency and quantity. Of more concern, says Professor Currow, is that unlike other lifestyle factors, people are less inclined to believe they should be drinking less.

Lifestyle behaviours reportcard

View the online infographic summarising the key findings of the Lifestyles and cancer report.

Lifestyle and cancer: 37% of cancers are preventable

"There is clear evidence that alcohol consumption increases your risk of cancer. It is important that people make an informed decision about their drinking, and this report shows people want this kind of information. Ninety-one per cent of people would support alcohol health warning on labels, and 88 per cent would support including national drinking guidelines on all alcohol containers."

"As a community we have made significant progress in improving cancer survival. The fact that 83 per cent of men and 88 per cent of women are non-smokers is a phenomenal achievement. As quitting smoking can reduce your risk of cancer, so too can other lifestyle changes.

"Each and every individual across the State should take action to reduce their personal risk of developing cancer by making simple changes to what they eat, drink and how often they exercise. If we all do that, we can prevent up to 37 per cent of cancers across the State, not to mention reduce our risk of many chronic diseases - and that will be something to be truly proud of," said Professor Currow.

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