SWEET TOOTH CANCER THREAT

Warning over daily sugar hit for two in five Scots

SCOTLAND’S sweet tooth is putting the health of the nation at serious risk, according to a report by Cancer Research UK.

Our addiction to sugar is fuelling cancer, stroke, diabetes and tooth decay.

Experts are calling for restrictions on fatty and sugary foods to help tackle an epidemic of ill health.

Cancer Research UK’s report found 39 per cent of Scots eat confectionery at least once a day – nine per cent more than in England.

The research also found that almost 20 per cent of Scots down a sugary drink each day.

And it showed that more than 50 per cent of adults have a ready meal at least once a week, including 16 per cent who tuck into a takeaway.

Cancer Research UK’s cancer prevention expert, professor Linda Bauld, said: “As these figures show our fast-paced lifestyles have fed into our eating habits.

“We’re now hurtling towards an epidemic of larger waistlines and increased cancer risk fuelled by grab and go foods and a growing appetite for takeaways and eating out.”

The findings, for the charity’s Scale Down Cancer campaign in Scotland, are alarming because obesity is the biggest cause of preventable cancer after smoking.

It is also linked to 13 types of cancer, including bowel, breast and pancreatic cancer.

Cancer Research UK called on the Scottish Government to restrict supermarket multi-buy discounts on foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt.

Bauld said: “Sugar should form no more than five per cent of our diet. On average, both adults and children in Scotland consume much more than this.

“From our love for tablet to soor plooms, toffee to macaroons, we’re famous for our confectionery.

“If left unchecked obesity will lead to a rising tide of ill health, including cancers, and become a crippling burden on the NHS.

“The Scottish Government can and must do more to make it easier to shop healthily. We need urgent action now to prevent thousands of future cancers.”