Heart disease a bigger concern than cancer, numbers show

Heart disease a bigger concern than cancer, numbers show


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SALT LAKE CITY -- Studies show a lot of people worry about getting cancer. But statistics show they are more likely to get heart disease.

A new AP-LifeGoesStrong.com poll found the disease that most concerns 47- to 65-year-olds is cancer. But Peggy Larsen, senior vice president with the Workers Compensation Fund, says while one in 30 people get cancer, one in three get heart disease.

"It's a huge number. We need to raise awareness," she said.

Heart Walk & Run
The Utah Walk & Run is a 5K walk & run, a 1-Mile Survivor Route and a Happy Feet Kids Run.
  • Saturday, Sept. 17
  • Sugar House Park
    1330 E. 2100 South
    Salt Lake City
  • Free
  • Register or donate here

Larsen is working to raise awareness among her 300 employees. She also is chairing the American Heart Association's heart walk on Sept. 17 at Sugar House Park.

"My father died at the age of 58 from heart disease. That's how old I am today," she said.

Larsen says it's all about prevention.

"It is a huge cause of death and something that can be prevented, just by better health and taking care of yourself and your heart," she said. Prevention includes no smoking, eating healthy, watching your weight, and exercising.

"I certainly don't smoke and I watch my diet. Although, I recently took an assessment online, and certainly I need to eat more fruit and vegetables and do a little bit better with exercise," she said.

E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com

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