NEW calls have been made for women to get active and sign up to the Race for Life – as new figures highlight the link between obesity and kidney cancer.

An estimated 20,000 kidney cancer cases have been caused by obesity over the last decade in England, according to figures released by Cancer Research UK.

In the South West, kidney cancer rates have increased by 33 per cent over the last 10 years.

A decade ago, around 670 people were diagnosed with kidney cancer every year in the region.

Around 1,025 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer every year in the region – around 645 men and 380 women.

Cancer Research UK projections show that by 2035, rates are predicted to increase by a further 26 per cent in the UK, making kidney cancer one of the fastest growing cancer types.

Around a quarter of kidney cancer cases are linked to carrying excess weight, and 24 per cent are linked to smoking.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesman for the South West, said: “It can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle but just making a few small changes can have a real impact.

"One way for women to get a little more active is to sign up to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events which are taking place across the region.

“Race for Life is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Marathon and Hiking events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding vital research.”

Research shows that obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer, including kidney cancer. Scientists have yet to unravel exactly how being overweight or obese causes kidney cancer, but one explanation could be insulin resistance.

While not all kidney cancer cases are preventable, there are steps that people can take to cut their risk of developing the disease. Simple things like choosing sugar free drinks, eating meals at roughly the same time each day, and trying to hit 10,000 steps a day can all help in maintaining a healthy weight.

Jenny added: “Signing up to take part in Race for Life is a great way for women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities to commit to get a little more active. Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the course.

“Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save more lives.”

The Race for Life Dorchester event is at Kingston Maurward on Sunday, May 21 at 11am. The north Dorset event at Sherborne Castle is on Sunday, June 18.

Sign up for Race for Life now at raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.