Lorely Burt - MP GIVES CHARITY'S HEALTHY LIVING DRIVE HER VOTE OF APPROVAL

8.47.39pm GMT Mon 5th Feb 2007

Lorely Burt MP took a break from heavyweight politics when she had her Body Mass index (BMI) measured at an exhibition organised by Cancer Research UK in Parliament.

The charity held the parliamentary healthy living day to raise awareness of the impact of obesity in increasing a person's cancer risk and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.

Cancer Research UK also spoke to the Solihull MP about its recent survey which found that a quarter of adults in the UK think getting cancer is all down to fate.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"At this time of year many of us do focus on how to improve our health. It is important to recognise that there are simple steps we can all take to live healthier lives and reduce our risk of developing cancer."

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said:

"It is a real challenge that such a large percentage of the British population do not realise that half of all cases of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes.

"Cancer Research UK's Reduce the Risk Campaign aims to make people aware of the changes they could make in their daily routines to help them cut their cancer risk.

"You can maintain a healthy body weight by eating a balanced diet and taking regular exercise."

For more advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle please visit www.reducetherisk.org.uk