OTTAWA, Nov. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society applauds plans by the Leader of the Opposition Thomas Mulcair to prevent the marketing of foods and beverages to children.
"This is a step in the right direction to help Canadians make healthier choices and reduce the risk of cancer," said Gabriel Miller, Director of Public Issues for the Canadian Cancer Society. "Parents are struggling to get their kids to eat right, and it's not easy when ads selling junk food are targeting children every hour of every day." Miller added.
Evidence shows that the foods and beverages marketed to kids are primarily unhealthy, including foods high in sugar, salt and fat, and that unhealthy foods contribute to rising obesity rates. Obesity increases risk for breast, colorectal, esophageal, gallbladder, kidney, liver, pancreatic and uterine cancers.
"We look forward to seeing the conversation grow beyond the advertising of food to include tackling tobacco use, enabling people to eat better and exercise more, and reducing exposure to carcinogens like radon and asbestos", said Miller.
About half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians.
The release this week of a global study on the link between obesity and cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shows North America accounts for about a quarter of global obesity-related cancers.
The IARC report also highlights the existing strong evidence linking excess body weight to cancer.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to our donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on our progress, we are working with Canadians to change cancer forever. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY 1-866-786-3934).
SOURCE: Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)
Sasha Anopina, Bilingual Communications Specialist, Canadian Cancer Society, [email protected], 416 934-5338
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