A MAJOR campaign has been launched in the region raising awareness of the link between obesity and cancer.

The initiative got under way as a new Cancer Research UK report revealed the massive scale of the problem.

According to latest figures, obesity is set to overtake smoking as the biggest preventable cause of cancer among women in the UK during the next 25 years.

In Yorkshire and Humberside, 61 per cent of women are overweight or obese, while 15 per cent smoke.

Now Cancer Research UK is calling for the Government to act, particularly on ‘junk food’ advertising aimed at children and price promotions on ‘unhealthy’ foods in supermarkets.

As part of its awareness campaign, the charity is displaying posters at locations in the district and across the region.

Professor Linda Bauld, for Cancer Research UK, said: “Obesity is a huge public health threat right now, and it will only get worse if nothing is done.

“The Government must build on the lessons of smoking prevention to reduce the number of weight-related cancers, by making it easier to keep a healthy weight and protect children. Youngsters who are overweight are five times more likely to be so as an adult.”

Nicki Embleton, the charity’s spokesman in Yorkshire, said it was important people were aware of the link.

“Fifty years ago most people didn’t know that smoking causes cancer,” she added.

“Now we’re bringing the link between obesity and cancer to the public’s attention to ensure people are aware of the facts.

“With the bombardment of junk food marketing and the high calorific content of many readily available foods, there are so many things working against us when it comes to keeping a healthy weight.

“By highlighting the issue, our campaign hopes to encourage Government action to tackle obesity through changes which will make it easier for all of us to adopt healthy choices.”