Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department will take to reduce the level of kidney cancer in the UK.

Approximately a quarter of kidney cancers are caused by obesity. To help people achieve and maintain a healthier weight, we have introduced regulations on out-of-home calorie labelling for out of home food sold in large businesses including restaurants, cafes and takeaways, which came into force on 6 April 2022. Further legislation on restrictions on the promotion and advertising of products high in fat, salt or sugar will come into effect in due course. Reformulation programmes also aim to make the food and drink available to consumers healthier.

A further 15 types of cancer, including kidney cancer, could be preventable by supporting smokers to quit tobacco use. Recent data shows one in four deaths from all cancers were estimated to be from smoking. An independent review of the Government’s aim for England to be smoke free by was published on the 9 June, which set out recommendations to support this ambition. We will consider the recommendations to inform the forthcoming health disparities white paper and a new Tobacco Control Plan.