31 Jul 2012

NZers must take responsibility for health - society

11:07 pm on 31 July 2012

The Cancer Society is urging New Zealanders to take more personal responsibility for their own health.

Executive director Dalton Kelly says the incidence of cancer and deaths has risen, spurred by a growing and ageing population and lifestyle choices.

He told a lunchtime audience in Wellington on Tuesday Government funding of cancer services would continue.

But he said finances were tighter and it was time for people to do their bit to protect themselves by better nutrition, more exercise, and quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.