Intermediate Dev and Health - Cancer incidence Scotland

Incidence of mouth, womb and kidney cancers have climbed in Scotland, according to charity Cancer Research UK.
Malignant melanomas of the skin have also risen alarmingly, with rates up 30% since 1995 north of the border. The charity said the increases were worrying as many of the cases could be avoided. Research suggests around half of all cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes.
Overweight and obese women are said to be twice as likely to develop womb cancer as women of a healthy weight. In the decade from 1995 to 2004, incidence of the disease in the Scottish population rose by 27%.
Kidney cancer, for which smoking and excessive weight are key risk factors, also grew more prevalent during the same period. Rates rose by 8% north of the border. Similarly cases of mouth cancer, which mostly affects regular smokers or drinkers, have risen by 6%.
Higher increases in incidence of kidney and mouth cancers have been recorded in the UK as a whole than in Scotland.
Dr Waine said: "I do not think everyone realises the association between obesity and cancer. I think it needs to be known so that people can make rational choices and often the dangers of cancer are quite a motivator."