94% of Australian adults did not meet vegetable targets

Around 5,300 cancer cases in Australia each year are linked to excess body weight, according to Cancer Council Australia, which used National Nutrition Week to call for stronger action on diet, weight and cancer prevention.

The organisation says obesity is linked to 13 cancer types and that public awareness of those links remains low. National Nutrition Week runs from 12 to 18 October and is hosted by Nutrition Australia.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data cited by the council showed 56% of Australian adults did not meet the recommended daily serves of fruit. 94% did not meet the recommended daily serves of vegetables. The same data showed 66% of Australian adults had overweight or obesity in 2022.

Jacinta Reddan, CEO of Cancer Council Australia, said: “We know that obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet and alcohol contribute to increased cancer risk. Excess body weight is the cause of around 5,300 cancer cases in Australia each year and is linked to 13 cancer types, yet public awareness of these links remains low.”

Health Star Rating push

Cancer Council Australia is calling on Food Standards Australia New Zealand to expedite the mandatory implementation of the Health Star Rating. It is also urging governments to take a greater role in creating healthier food environments by restricting unhealthy food advertising to children, mandating the Health Star Rating and exploring a tax on sugary drinks.

Reddan said: “Cancer Council Australia welcomes Food Ministers’ decision to make the Health Star Rating mandatory and is calling on Food Standards Australia New Zealand to complete the change as quickly as possible. With fewer than half of products currently carrying the rating, Australians are still waiting for the consistent shelf-wide labelling they need to make healthier choices.”

Cancer Council recommends following the Australian Dietary Guidelines by aiming for two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables each day, choosing wholegrain foods and including legumes and beans. The council says those foods can support a healthy weight and reduce cancer risk.

Clare Hughes, Chair of Cancer Council’s Nutrition, Alcohol and Physical Activity Committee, said: “Healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated. Small steps can make a meaningful difference, whether that’s adding an extra serve of vegetables to meals, choosing fruit as a snack, or swapping to wholegrain options where possible.”

Hughes has also argued that focusing on what people can add to their plates can feel easier and more achievable than starting with restriction. Cancer Council Australia works with the eight state and territory Cancer Councils to undertake and fund cancer research, prevent and control cancer, provide information and support for people affected by cancer, and shape and influence policy and practice.