SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has attended a Cancer Research UK event in Westminster to learn more about how lifestyle changes can reduce people’s risk of getting cancer in Derry and throughout the North.
The Foyle MP met with campaigners and nurses from the charity’s Cancer Awareness Roadshow, to find out more about their work on cancer prevention.
More than four in ten cancer cases in Britain could be prevented each year, with smoking and obesity being the biggest avoidable causes of the disease.
Mr Durkan, who is vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer at Westminster, said: “Whilst we have come such a long way in the fight against cancer, it is still evident that so many cases in Derry and across the North could be prevented.
“The numbers make it clear we need to act now to help people to make positive lifestyle changes, such as becoming more active and maintaining a healthy weight.
“While there are no guarantees against the disease, I want to do everything I can to help my constituents and their families stack the odds in their favour and lead long and healthy lives.”
Mr Durkan is also supporting the charity’s call for the removal of junk food adverts on TV before the 9pm watershed, to help reduce the impact of this negative influence over children’s food choices.
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