12 March 2015 Prof. Linda Bauld - Lifestyle and Behaviour Impact on Cancer.

Professor Linda Bauld , Stirling University Institute of Social Marketing, was the guest speaker for this week's meeting chaired by Mary Fraser  with guests Bethany Burch and her mother Elaine.  Bethany will soon be heading out to Spain on a Rotary Youth Exchange programme where she will spend time with a Spanish family while a Spanish youth comes over to Scotland.  We look forward to seeing Bethany when she returns from her travels and comes back to share her experiences.

Linda Bauld gave a fascinating presentation on the Lifestyle and Behaviour Impacts on Cancer only a day after the legislation on plain packaging of cigarettes came into force.  She noted that the majority of people consider Cancer is a genetically acquired disease whereas the main risk factors are smoking, weight and alcohol consumption.

She reflected that the campaign against smoking had seen a marked effect on the reduction of male smokers and it's effect on cancers in men, however it will be a few years before the females will see a downward trend.

A lively question and answer session was followed by a vote of thanks from John Kilby who commended Linda on her knowledge of her subject and excellent communication skills.