What really causes cancer? The answer is blowing in the wind

Maintain a healthy body weight to prevent cancer

Over a quarter of all Britons ignore all advice on cancer, while a majority agree that scientists cannot make up their minds about what causes or prevents cancer.

A YouGov survey commissioned by World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), found that 52% believe scientists are always changing their minds and 27% said that because health advice always seems to be changing, the best approach is to ignore it all and eat what you want.

Most scientists agree that about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented through a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. In terms of diet, scientists agree that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and limiting intake of red and processed meat, salt and alcohol can reduce cancer risk.

Richard Evans, Head of Communications for WCRF, said: "It is true there have been some changes. For example, the evidence linking body fat with cancer has become much stronger over the last 10 years and we now say that, after not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing you can do for cancer prevention. But the idea that the advice from scientists changes with the wind is just not right."

The survey also suggested older people are more cynical; 60% of people aged 55 and over thought scientists are always changing their minds, compared to just 36% of 18 to 24-year-olds. It also found that 30% of those aged 55 and over thought the best approach is to avoid health advice, compared to 19% of people aged 18 to 24.