Editorial: are sporting heroes improving the nation's health?

Published: 17 December 2012

A message from Dion Smyth, Cancer and Breast Care Forum Editor

Peer pressure

After a super summer of sporting excellence and achievement, Britain basks in the reflected glory of gold, silver and bronze acclaim. One can only hope that the prowess and promise shown by this year’s Olympics and Paralympics, Tour de France, tennis, and Ryder cup teams can be translated into sustainable, healthier behaviours in the broader population.

Almost half of all cancers can be considered attributable to environmental “lifestyle” factors, such as smoking. If the enthusiasm to emulate sporting heroes can motivate more healthy behaviour and attitudes and be maintained, the halcyon days of our summer of success could help us to see far fewer cases of cancer in future.

We are already seeing some success in reducing the effects of cancer; the news that mortality rates are dropping should give us heart that health promotion messages, such as smoking cessation campaigns and developments in cancer treatments, are proving effective. Nevertheless, we all know and hope that more can be done. And we hope that we are supported in our professional, social and career aim to care for the collective members of our communities.

Withered promises?

The biggest influence on any role of providing care to the public is going to be political: interest, intention and investment, and the politician’s conference season all but over. We can only hope that the August promises that fell from their mouths will not end up like golden autumnal leaves falling from the trees – dead, decaying, forgotten or swept away.

Health care is always headline news, particularly when the parties promise, pledge or pontificate. When we are reminded to vote by whomsoever wants our vote, impassioned pleas and pleasing statements are made about nursing, care and communities; whether this will translate into tangible action to support nurses serving the public remains to be seen. Practising what is preached promises more, perhaps?