Ireland in pole position - in the cancer league.

[theloner]

Do you lead a healthy lifestyle? As the World Cancer Research Fund UK has stated new cancer cases in Ireland could increase by 72 per cent by 2030, our very own ICS (Irish Cancer Society) disputed the numbers, claiming the numbers may a lot worse! It doesn't matter what occupation you have or even if you find yourself out of work, it ain't too difficult to make improvements regards your health, whether it be using the stairs instead of the lift or eating a piece of fruit once a day.

Interestingly enough, another survey compiled by insurers suggests cancer was responsible for almost half of all deaths in Ireland in 2011, it also showed cancer accounted for almost two-thirds of serious illnesses too. It isn't only cancer that is killing us either, as heart disease was found to be the cause of almost a fifth of deaths here.

Of course countries in western Europe, like ourselves, are going to be more prone to being fat, heavier drinkers and inactive due to our incomes, however what measures should be taken by us or the government (if any) to reduce the numbers of us dying from the above killers.

Also, what role should the government play, if any, for us to keep a healthy weight, be more physically active and eat more healthily? The worrying part of the stats was the fact Cyprus, second in the league table only had a projection of a 55% increase, much lower than our 'under-estimated' 72%.

What do you do in terms if exercise and what would you like to cut out of your lifestyle to improve your chances of a longer life?

Personally, I've quit 'sober' cigarettes and only have a puff or five when out on the jars, forbidding myself from smoking at work or home. I've also cut down my alcohol intake (as I swig on a bottle of Dutch Gold). I play five-aside twice a week and jog a fair bit too. On the negatives, the diet is poor and eating at different times ain't good, so next on the agenda is a regular eating schedule, but I am not confident about it. Anyway, any advice for the country would be grand. Cheers.

[statsman]

This report struck me as a very elaborate case of special pleading, along the lines of 'of course, armageddon won't happen if the government spends loads of money on screening, etc.' The 72% has all the hallmarks of a number plucked out of the air.

[theloner]

This report srtruck me as a very elaborate case of special pleading, along the lines of 'of course, armageddon won't happen if the government spends loads of money on screening, etc.' The 72% has all the hallmarks of a number plucked out of the air.

Was suspicious myself, but seems to have the backing of several, not just one report. The report compiled by insurers got my eyebrows raised more so.

[statsman]

Was suspicious myself, but seems to have the backing of several, not just one report. The report compiled by insurers got my eyebrows raised more so.

Regardless of how many reports there are, predicting future trends is always guesswork.