Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

World Health Organisation calls for Governmental restrictions on alcohol and sugar

World Health Organisation calls for Governmental restrictions on alcohol and sugar
February 5, 2014

World Health Organisation (WHO) scientists have revealed that the world is facing a "tidal wave" of cancer, and that Governments need to consider restrictions on alcohol and sugar.

With 14 million people a year diagnosed with cancer, the WHO predict that the number of cancer cases will increase to 19 million by 2025, 22 million by 2030 and 24 million by 2035.

However, the WHO believe that as many as a half cases can be prevented if Governments focus on cancer prevention by tackling smoking, obesity and drinking.

Chris Wild, the director of the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer, told the BBC "the global cancer burden is increasing and quite markedly, due predominately to the ageing of the populations and population growth.

"If we look at the cost of treatment of cancers, it is spiralling out of control, even for the high-income countries. Prevention is absolutely critical and it's been somewhat neglected."

The WHO's World Cancer Report 2014 said the major sources of preventable cancer included:

• Smoking
• Infections
• Alcohol
• Obesity and inactivity
• Radiation, both from the sun and medical scans
• Air pollution and other environmental factors
• Delayed parenthood, having fewer children and not breastfeeding

One of the report's editors, Dr Bernard Stewart from the University of New South Wales, said prevention had a "crucial role in combating the tidal wave of cancer which we see coming across the world."

Dr Stewart said human behaviour was behind many cancers such as the melanoma resulting from people sunbathing "until you're cooked evenly on both sides" as people had done in past generations.

Highlighting that it was not the role of the International Agency for Research on Cancer to dictate what should be done, Dr Stewart added "in relation to alcohol, for example, we're all aware of the acute effects, whether it's car accidents or assaults, but there's a burden of disease that's not talked about because it's simply not recognised, specifically involving cancer.

"The extent to which we modify the availability of alcohol, the labelling of alcohol, the promotion of alcohol and the price of alcohol - those things should be on the agenda."

Dr Stewart said there was a similar argument to be had with sugar fuelling obesity, which in turn affected cancer risk.

Dr Jean King, Cancer Research UK's Director of Tobacco Control concluded "the most shocking thing about this report's prediction that 14 million cancer cases a year will rise to 22 million globally in the next 20 years is that up to half of all cases could be prevented.

"People can cut their risk of cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices, but it's important to remember that the government and society are also responsible for creating an environment that supports healthy lifestyles.

"It's clear that if we don't act now to curb the number of people getting cancer, we will be at the heart of a global crisis in cancer care within the next two decades."

2nd September 2011 - GLOBAL GOVERNMENTS MUST 'GET TOUGH ON OBESITY'

13th July 2010 - HEALTH CHARITY ADDS PRESSURE TO ALCOHOL AND SPORT SPONSORSHIP DEBATE


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

AMPD Academy

Originally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Education / Recreation / Safety

 
 

Humanforce

Humanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Technology / Venues

 
 

SENtag

Developed in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Anti Wave Global

Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Sport

 
 

DAE Global

DAE Global is one of the world’s leading international creative and production practitioners, creating award-winning sport, culture and entertainment experiences for over 30 years.  It was…

read more

Culture / Entertainment / Events / Venues

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

The P.A. People

The P.A. People is a specialist integrator and contractor in sound reinforcement, audio visual systems, performance lighting and production communications. Over its almost 50 year history the company…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

Ticketworx Pty Ltd

Ticketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business