SALFORD residents disagree with the negative backlash of some toward the obesity and cancer awareness campaign run by Cancer Research UK.

While many understood why offence may be taken, most felt that the issue was important and should indeed be raised.

One Salford resident said; “I think Obesity is an issue and it is something that should be raised.

“I think it’s fine to be comfortable in your own body, but if something is killing people then it needs to be addressed.”

Cancer research has responded to the backlash on twitter and maintained the importance of their adverts, highlighting the lack of awareness in the United Kingdom of these issues.

Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK’s prevention expert, said: “The aim of the charity’s campaign is to raise awareness of the fact that obesity is the biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking.

“This is not about fat shaming. It is based on scientific evidence and designed to give important information to the public. Only 15% of people are aware that obesity is a cause of cancer. Cancer Research UK has a duty to put that message in the public domain.”

Cancer Research UK’s aim is to spread awareness that being overweight or obese as an adult is linked to 13 different types of cancer including breast, bowel and kidney cancer.

This health awareness advertising campaign has seen posters erected across the uk, seen at bus stops all over Salford and Media City.

However, comedian Sofie Hagen reacted negatively and openly to the campaign. Her tweets on the issue are going viral rapidly and are encouraging many members of the public to engage.

Cancer Research UK’s website offer guides to finding clinical trials, forums for those with cancer along with a nurse hotline on 0808 800 4040 for those suffering of or close to someone with cancer.

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