Cancer Council is on a mission to revolutionise the State’s plates, with survey figures showing only 5.5 per cent of Queenslanders are eating enough fruit and vegetables.
The health survey* also revealed only 33 per cent of Queenslanders are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said the survey findings were concerning.
“Queensland has the highest rate of adult obesity in Australia – many Queenslanders need more help with knowing what foods are good for us, and why,” Ms Clift said.
“Our State has some of the best, freshest, tastiest produce on offer – think mangoes, pineapples, strawberries, avocados, bananas, lettuce, potatoes and extensive tropical seafood!
“As a community we need to help make the healthy choice the easy choice to ensure Queenslanders can maintain optimum health and happiness.
“Having a poor diet significantly increases the risk of becoming overweight or obese and being diagnosed with a range of chronic diseases, including some cancers.
“One third of all cancers are preventable through simple lifestyle choices like eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
“It’s important for the community to understand Australian Dietary Requirements and how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables onto their plates every day.”
The 2013 survey found females were more than five times more likely to consume the recommended serves of both fruit and vegetables than males in Queensland.
Queenslanders living in major cities were more than twice as likely to get their daily dose of fruit and vegetables than people living in remote parts of the State.
“Enhanced investment in research and programs targeting at-risk individuals, such as men and those in regional communities, are urgently needed,” Ms Clift said.
“Queensland adults should be eating two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day.
“The quantities differ for children and increase as they get older – it’s important to know their daily requirements too.
“Children aged two or three years should be eating 2.5 serves of vegetables and one serve of fruit a day, increasing to around five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit when they reach teenage years.
“One serve of vegetables is half a cup of spinach, cauliflower or brussels sprouts, half a medium sweet potato or one cup of lettuce or salad vegetables.
“One serve of fruit is about eight strawberries, a medium-sized apple, orange, banana or pear, about 20 grapes of cherries or two pieces of smaller fruit like apricots, figs or plums.”
Queenslanders can encourage their workplace, school, sports club, early childhood centre or local council to help reduce the risk of cancer by joining QUEST for free at quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available via Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171
*Self reported health status 2013, Preventive health indicators, Queensland, Hospital and Health Services and Medicare Locals summary report.
Regional statistics:
- Only 5.5 per cent of Queenslanders are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 33 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
- Only seven per cent of Far North Queensland adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 38 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
- Only four per cent of North Queensland adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 26 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
- Only five per cent of Mackay adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 34 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
- Only six per cent of Central Queensland adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 34 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
- Only seven per cent of Sunshine Coast adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 34 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
- Only six per cent of Wide Bay adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 38 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
- Only five per cent of Gold Coast adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 30 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.
- Only seven per cent of South West Queensland adults are eating enough fruit and vegetables, and only 34 per cent are aware of how many vegetables they should be eating daily for maximum health.