Cancer rates higher in eastern region
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THERE was a divide between the east and west coasts over cancer cases, the study revealed.
The incidence of cancer appeared to be higher in the east and along some of the southern coastal counties.
The west coast county of Clare had the lowest rate, at 286 per 100,000 people. The highest rate, at 399 per 100,000, was recorded in Dublin.
Dr Harry Comber of the National Cancer Registry, said there were many different factors such as diet and smoking which influenced the patterns of cancer rates.
"Smoking is more common in urban areas than rural areas," he said, adding that lung cancers tended to influence the patterns.
He said this could result in more cancer cases around Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Derry.
An average of 25,000 new cancer cases are reported each year -- including around 1,700 lung cancer cases.
Tobacco is the single largest cause of cancer, accounting for 30pc of all cancer deaths in developed countries.
Figures suggest that the numbers of people smoking may be lower along the west and south coast.
The lowest number of people who smoke cigarettes was in Co Wicklow, at 16pc, and Co Leitrim, at 18pc, compared with 33pc in Co Longford.
The health study also showed a a rural/urban divide when it came to life expectancy.
Men and women living in Galway, a county with a vibrant urban centre, can expect to live longer in comparison with those in Leitrim. The rates of cancer are similar for both counties.
The death rate, infant mortality rates and prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders are higher in Leitrim than Galway.
This, researchers felt, could suggest poorer quality health and social care.
Teenage birth rates were lower, and child immunisation rates were higher in the more rural county.
Researchers felt the factors could show possible differences in lifestyle between urban and rural areas, as well as access to health services.
- Louise HOGAN
