Did you know this about Cancer?

Did you know that cancer can be linked to your weight? 44% of us don't know this!

Its true - if you are overweight you are at an increased risk of  bowel, ovary, womb, pancreas, gallbladder, kidney and oesophagus, and breast cancers. In fact, there is a link with weight and 16% of breast cancer cases, 15% of pancreatic cancer cases and 14% of bowel cancer cases. What is really interesting about this is that these figures are higher than the chances of getting cancer through inherited genes - where the likelihood is only 5-10%.

This data was pulled from a survey conducted by YouGov, where 2,000 Britons were polled by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). It also noted that two in five people were unaware that a poor diet can increase your cancer risk.

This is yet another demonstration of how a good weight and proper diet can benefit your overall wellbeing.

Choices... or lack of them

In a survey undertaken for NHS England last week, it was revealed that less than two-fifths of patients are offered a choice of hospital by their GP when being referred for out patient treatment.

Having a choice is a major part of being in control of your own medical treatment. Is it more convenient to go to a hospital nearer to work, rather than to home? Has your GP referred you to a hospital with the best facilities for the particular treatment necessary? Does the hospital have appointments at convenient times for you?

Is there any discussion with your GP about which hospital to use? A quick conversation with them during your GP appointment can help you to understand why they are referring you to a particular facility, or give you a chance to explain why you'd like to go elsewhere.

You do have a legal right to make a choice, don't be bullied into going to a medical facility if you're really not happy with it.