Experts gather for world cancer day

The role that physical activity and weight management can play in preventing cancer will be discussed by many of Scotland's leading experts on the disease on World Cancer Day tomorrow, Tuesday February 4th.

The Scottish Cancer Prevention Network conference will bring together experts working in all of the major areas of cancer, including representatives from cancer agencies, Government, public health and cancer care professionals.

'In the year when the Commonwealth Games are being held in Scotland we thought it appropriate to focus on physical activity and weight management in cancer prevention and in people living with cancer,' said Professor Annie Anderson, Co- Director of the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network and Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the University of Dundee.

'There is now considerable evidence of the positive impact that factors like weight management, physical activity and diet have on preventing and managing cancer. The challenge facing all of us is how we best get that message across and make sure people are heeding the advice.'

Speakers at the event will include the Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP, and Dr Aileen Keel, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

Others contributing include:

  • Professor Annie Anderson, Co- Director of the Scottish Cancer Prevention Network and Professor of Public Health Nutrition in the Cancer Research Division, University of Dundee
  • Dr Cindy Gray, Lord Kelvin Adam Smith Fellow in the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow
  • Professor Nanette Mutrie, Director of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh
  • Dr Anna Campbell, Lecturer in Sports Biomedicine, Institute of Sport and Exercise University of Dundee
  • Professor Martin Wiseman, Medical and Scientific Adviser for World Cancer Research Fund
  • Professor Bob Steele, Chairman of the Scottish Cancer Foundation and Director of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme
  • Ms Martine Stead, Deputy Director of the Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling
  • Miss Susan Moug consultant in colorectal surgery, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

The event takes place at The Melting Pot, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh from 9.30am tomorrow.

The Scottish Cancer Prevention Network is funded by The Scottish Cancer Foundation. The Network is focussed on moving evidence on cancer risk reduction into everyday life, practice and policy. http://www.cancerpreventionscotland.org.uk/.

 

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