Virgin Money comments on Cancer Research UK 'Fate' findings

Research out today from Cancer Research UK has suggested that over a quarter (27%) of the UK population believe fate not lifestyle will determine whether they get cancer or not.
People were asked if they thought they could cut their risk of developing cancer, or whether it was out of their hands.

According to Cancer Research UK:

Among respondents from the most deprived areas 43% believed that getting cancer was down to fate

Among respondents from the most privileged areas, it fell to 14%

34% of smokers and 36% of over 65s believed that getting cancer was down to fate

Source: Cancer Research UK

Virgin Money's Scott Mowbray said: "The results of this survey are very alarming. When we launched Virgin Cancer Cover last year we were criticised for drawing attention to the fact that 1 in 6 of us will get some form of cancer before the age of 70. However, it's clear there's still a frightening number of people burying their heads in the sand not only about their chances of getting cancer in their lifetime but also the steps they can personally take to reduce their risk of getting the disease and protect themselves against the financial burden of getting cancer. More needs to be done to highlight the increased risks associated with certain lifestyle choices and perhaps the only way to do that is to shock people."

Cancer Research UK's 'Reduce the Risk' campaign is actively encouraging people to learn how they can lead healthier lives and cut their risk of developing cancer.

Virgin Cancer Cover is an insurance product designed to give a cash lump sum to help financially if diagnosed with cancer within the term of the insurance. It also pays out for death by any cause and diagnosis of any terminal illness.