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A closer look at: obesity and cancer

Prevention and screening

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Professor John Wass introduced the 10 priorities set out by the Obesity Health Alliance to curb the rising rates of obesity in the UK. World Cancer Research Fund expert Susannah Brown explained the science behind obesity and cancer development, and Public Health Nutritionist Rachel Clark talked about how to make every contact count by raising the issue of weight with overweight patients and helping them to make healthy lifestyle changes.

What will you learn?

  • Understand the impact obesity has on our health and the economy
  • Learn about the Obesity Health Alliance’s 10 priorities to tackle the rising rates of obesity
  • Understand the science behind obesity and cancer risk
  • Know how to start a conversation about weight with patients and clients

Who may this interest?

  • Nurses
  • Community pharmacists
  • Nutritionists
  • Community health workers
  • Anyone working to improve public health and wellbeing

Speakers

Professor John Wass
Professor of Endocrinology
Oxford University

John Wass is the Professor of Endocrinology at Oxford University and was Head of the Department of Endocrinology at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital Oxford, UK until 2012. His research interests include all pituitary tumours, especially acromegaly, adrenal disease, angiogenesis in endocrinology, and the genetics of osteoporosis and thyroid disease. He was Academic Vice President of the Royal College of Physicians in London, from August 2012 until August 2015. He chaired the Royal College of Physicians Working Party ‘Action on Obesity: Comprehensive Care for All’ published in January 2013, and has been involved in improving services for patients with obesity. Recently he presented the acclaimed documentary ‘The Fantastical World of Hormones’ on BBC4.

Susannah-Brown-OCsiteSusannah Brown
Science Programme Manager – Research Evidence
World Cancer Research Fund International

Susannah Brown is Science Programme Manager (Research Evidence) at World Cancer Research Fund International. She works on the organization’s Continuous Update Project. Prior to this, Susannah was a Deputy Project Manager at the University of Oxford, conducting research into diabetes. She has an MSc in Human Nutrition (specialising in Public Health Nutrition) from the University of Glasgow. She has represented her country at Rugby Union amassing 62 caps over eight years representing Scotland.

Rachel-Clark-OCsiteRachel Clark
Health Promotion Manager
World Cancer Research Fund UK

Rachel Clark has worked in health promotion for eight years, with prevention at the heart of her approach. Rachel studied Public Health Nutrition at Oxford Brookes University and has a keen interest in how diet and physical activity affect our health. She has been part of World Cancer Research Fund’s Health Information team since 2011 and manages their cancer prevention activities for health professionals. Rachel has worked with many people to support healthy lifestyle choices and has a strong interest in the theories of behaviour change. She is particularity interested in how these theories can be applied to a community setting and the importance of health professionals in facilitating change.