Sunbeds and sunbathing have been highlighted in new NHS proposals to raise awareness of "lifestyle" causes of cancer.

The emphasis on risks is part of a £370 million five-year Government strategy for battling the disease.

The public will be reminded of cancer risks such as the dangers of smoking, overeating and doing too much sunbathing.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the strategy will serve as a "road map to a higher standard of care available to all", demonstrating the "very highest priority" attached to fighting cancer.

More support will be provided for patients as they manage the long-term effects of the disease such as the Survivorship Initiative which aims to give assistance during and after treatment to allow patients to live as normal a life as possible.

It includes psychological support, help getting back to work, financial advice and practical and medical assistance.

Among preventative measures are plans to consult on banning the sale of tobacco in vending machines, reducing cigarette displays in shops and a fresh look at cigarette packaging.

The plan also includes the consideration of stronger regulation of sunbed use, especially by the under 18s, and moves to cut waiting times for radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy capacity is expected to increase in the next three years, and £130 million will be invested in new equipment and staff, amid fears delays are cutting survival rates.

Some of the strategies have already been announced, such as extending the breast cancer screening programme for women to those aged 47 to 73. There will also be an investment of £100 million in new digital mammography equipment.

The age for bowel cancer screening is also being extended from 70 to 75.

Mr Brown said: "Groundbreaking advances in our understanding of cancer and its treatment are leading to significant advances in the quality of care and treatment which cancer patients receive.

"And we are investing more than ever before - £15 billion over the next ten years - in researching the cures and treatments of the future, many of which will impact on the lives of cancer patients.

"But at the same time there are new challenges. The number of people contracting cancer continues to increase as our population ages and the consequence of successful treatment is that more people are living after cancer than ever before.

"And because cancer is no longer the death sentence it was, that serves to increase the importance of care for cancer survivors.

"Our next steps must reflect the very highest priority that we as a country attach to combating this disease."

Mr Brown welcomed the involvement of charities such as Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support - the latter of which is closely involved in the survivorship initiative.

Macmillan says around 50 per cent of people now live for more than five years after a cancer diagnosis, meaning support is vital.

Meanwhile, fresh fears have been raised over the safety of cooked foods as a wide-ranging study found for the first time that a common chemical caused by frying, roasting or grilling can double the risk of cancer in women.

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