Stalker questions cancer ‘bad luck’ claims
by Jak Phillips | 06 Jan 2015
ukactive CEO David Stalker has spoken out in favour of active lifestyles, following widespread news coverage suggesting that most cancers are the result of bad luck.
A recent study hit the headlines after it stated the majority of cancers could be attributed to chance mutations rather than risk factors associated with an unhealthy lifestyle.
In their paper Variation in cancer risk among tissues can be explained by the number of stem cell divisions, researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health in the US claimed two thirds of cancer types are simply attributable to random DNA mutations.
However, Stalker cited Cancer Research UK figures that say four out of 10 cases of cancer could have been prevented by making key lifestyle changes, such as being physical active and eating healthier. He asked: “Why would you leave something as important as your health down to luck?”
The ukactive chief also quoted Macmillan Cancer statistics identifying that cancer survivors can reduce their risk of cancer-specific death and recurrence by up to 50 per cent by staying active. Meanwhile, Breakthrough Breast Cancer has estimated that women can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by at least 20 per cent by being physically active regularly.
“We know that by having an active and healthy lifestyle we significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer as well as a whole host of other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease,” said Stalker.
“By making the decision to be more active and improve our eating habits, it may not be a guarantee against cancer, but it certainly improves the odds in our favour.”
Read more:
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UK ranks fourth globally for male cancers linked to obesity
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24 Sep 2014
New research suggests exercise may help to shrink cancerous tumours
FEATURE: Research Round-up – Science snapshot
ukactive CEO David Stalker has spoken out in favour of active lifestyles, following widespread news coverage suggesting that most cancers are the result of bad luck. A recent study hit the headlines after it stated the majority of cancers could be attributed to chance mutations rather than risk factors associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. In their paper Variation in cancer risk among tissues can be explained by the number of
HAF,FIT,IND,PHR,RES
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BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
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Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
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by Helen Andrews | 20 Apr 2026
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by Magali Robathan | 16 Apr 2026
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The €200m (US$221.3 million, £169.7 million) Pical Resort, Valamar Collection has opened in Croatia with the country’s first ESPA spa. Valamar Riviera, a Croatian tourism company and hotel operator has revealed the 514-key property in Poreč, Istria. The development of the Pical Resort represents Valamar’s largest investment to date. The accommodation is split into the following options: the Pical Hotel, the luxury all-inclusive Pical Family Hotel, the exclusive Pical Suites
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
by Helen Andrews | 13 Apr 2026
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has revealed plans to expand its presence in Egypt with the renovation and operation of two historic hotel properties and the brand’s first-ever luxury river cruise. In 2022, Mandarin Oriental announced it would open its first Egyptian property, Mandarin Oriental Shepheard in Cairo. The hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation and is due to open in 2027. Ownership and development The river cruise, Old Cataract
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by Helen Andrews | 27 Mar 2026
Holistic design and architecture practice Mendil + Meyer, based in Arizona in the US, has introduced a new division called Lām Concepts to integrate and align wellness goals for projects before they reach the design stage. Ben Meyer, architect and co-founder of Mendil + Meyer, told Spa Business exclusively about the new division: “Lām comes from the word loam, meaning fertile ground – the place where conditions are right for
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
by Helen Andrews | 05 Mar 2026
Wilderness, an operator of 60 safari camps across eight African countries, has unveiled the second spa under its new concept called The Sanctuary, at Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda. The Sanctuary is a concept that pairs design and wellness with raw, restorative landscapes. The offering at the Rwandan property follows the opening of a different interpretation of The Sanctuary’s concept at Wilderness Mombo in Botswana. Read more about that property here.
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
by Helen Andrews | 04 Mar 2026
Design firm 4a Architekten has shared details of the recently-completed extension to the wellness facilities at destination spa park Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa in Germany. The upgrades to the leisure pool facility, which has been in operation since 1984, included the addition of a thermal spa and sauna in a new building that integrated sensitively into the landscape. Commissioned by the facility’s operator, utility company Stadtwerke Bad Dürkheim, the
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
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