A NORTH Hampshire MP got on his bike to help raise awareness of the importance of exercise in reducing the risk of cancer.

Sir George Young attended a launch of Reduce the Risk - Cancer Research UK's new campaign - which aims to teach people how five major lifestyle changes can prevent the killer disease.

The changes include quitting smoking, staying in shape, eating sensibly, taking advantage of screening programmes and being cautious in the sun.

Sir George said: "I wholeheartedly support the work that Cancer Research UK is doing to raise awareness of the importance of lifestyle change in cancer prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important way to help reduce your risk of cancer."

Professor Alex Markham, Cancer Research UK's chief executive, added: "There is no magic pill we can take to prevent us getting the disease, but there are many things we can do in our daily lives to improve our chances of avoiding it."

The campaign was launched with a survey of 4,000 people, which reveals there is still some confusion surrounding the causes of Britain's biggest killer.

Around two-thirds of people are unaware being overweight or obese can increase the risk of cancer, and the same amount did not realise a diet low in fruit and vegetables also adds to the chance of being diagnosed with the disease.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.reducetherisk.org