To whomever still thinks that ignorance is bliss: I’m sorry, but you’re an idiot. But since my main resolution this year is to stop trying to teach pigs to sing (it wastes your time, and it annoys the pig - thanks R.A.H.), I’m just going to preach to the choir here.
Cancer Research UK has just conducted a poll on people’s perception of cancer. Over a quarter of those polled said that getting cancer was simply up to fate. Older people and smokers were more significantly more likely to believe so than younger non-smokers.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at the charity, said: “It is alarming that such a large percentage of the British population do not realise that half of all cases of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes.
“We can all reduce our risk of cancer by stopping smoking, keeping a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and taking plenty of exercise.
“Enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunburn also helps to reduce cancer risk.
I can’t help but wonder how much that increased percentage is simply people’s resistance to changing their habits. It’s a lot easier to rely on luck and anecdotal evidence - my friend’s girlfriend’s uncle smoked until he was 82 years old, died bungie jumping! - than it is to take a long hard look at the evidence and realize that if you don’t stop stuffing yourself with Big Macs and smoking a pack of Camels a day, you’re very likely going to die sooner than a lot of even marginally healthier people.