A new National School Fruit Scheme
2.24 There are clear links between childhood diet and risk of disease later in life, and eating patterns are established early in life.
So action now to influence the diets of the very young could have very real long-term health benefits as well as having an impact on the family diet too.
2.25 Children's consumption of fruit and vegetables is particularly low. One in five do not eat any fruit in a week, and three in five eat no leafy green vegetables. Children growing up in disadvantaged families are about 50% less likely to eat fruit and vegetables than those in high income families.
2.26 The National School Fruit Scheme, announced in the NHS Plan, will make a free piece of fruit available to school children aged four to six each school day. Pilot schemes, in Health Action Zones, will start this year.
Other cancer risk factors
2.27 There are a number of other risk factors which can contribute to the development of cancers.
- Obesity may contribute to the risk of post menopausal breast cancer and endometrial cancer. A low fat and low energy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can lower the risk of these cancers. The National Service Framework on Coronary Heart Disease required health authorities to have in place local schemes to reduce obesity by 2001.
- Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer. From 2001 health authorities will have physical activity promotion schemes and the Department of Health will issue guidance on supervised programmes of exercise for people whose health may benefit. In addition, the Department of Health is working with other government departments on work to encourage and enable more walking and cycling, particularly in deprived areas.
- Alcohol misuse is thought to be a major cause in about 3% of all cancers, and can increase the risk of cancers of the mouth and throat. Liver cancer is associated with heavy drinking and there may also be an association between alcohol and breast cancer. The Department of Health will consult on an alcohol misuse strategy.
- Sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer and incidence of this cancer has increased steadily over recent years. Studies show that most people are aware of the risks from exposure to the sun but that fewer people take the necessary action to protect themselves from the risk. The Department of Health is producing education resources on the risks of skin cancer, and also funds the Meteorological Office to provide information in weather forecasts.
- Exposure to high concentrations of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, increases the risk of lung cancer. Radon levels vary considerably between different parts of the country. The Department of Health has worked with the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) on pilot studies with local authorities, to provide information and encourage remedial action in homes affected by radon. DETR will be running a new radon programme in partnership with 31 local authorities from the areas most affected by radon.
