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Cancer Registry lends support to Smokefree Campaign
By Derval Keenan, 11/7/2005 4:06:41 PM
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The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry has lent its support to the Ulster Cancer Foundation?’s ongoing campaign to persuade the Health Minister to introduce smokefree workplaces within Northern Ireland.
Dr Anna Gavin, Director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry firmly believes that introducing smokefree workplaces would make a significant contribution to improving health in Northern Ireland.
Dr Gavin said, ?“A recent report from the Registry revealed that over 90% of lung cancers are directly caused by tobacco smoke. We have over 900 cases of lung cancer each year and while most of these occur in smokers, 5% or the equivalent of 45 patients have never actively smoked ?– and I believe that is unacceptable.
?“Lung cancer is a disease with a very poor prognosis ?– less than a quarter of patients are alive one year after diagnosis and only 10% two years after diagnosis. Every effort should be made to reduce levels of tobacco use in our society. Evidence from other countries indicates that introducing a ban on tobacco in the workplaces protects non-smokers from environmental tobacco smoke but also reduces the amount of cigarettes smoked by smokers and often encourages them to stop completely.
?“It is imperative that urgent action is taken to introduce smokefree workplaces as soon as possible.?”
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention at UCF said, ?“We are delighted that the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry has joined forces with us to demand smokefree legislation in Northern Ireland.
?“Two million workers are still routinely exposed to second-hand smoke in the workplace and in Northern Ireland 2,800 people die each year from smoking related illnesses. The public have demonstrated their support for a complete smoking ban and now we call on the Health Minister to do the same.?”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie
PR Manager
Tel. 028 9049 2007
Notes to Editors:
?˜ Smoking is not only the primary cause of lung cancer, it also causes cancer of the urinary tract, head and neck, oesophagus, pancreas, stomach, liver, bone marrow and cervix.
?˜ The World Health Organisation International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that second hand smoke causes lung cancer in non-smokers and is also a cause of heart disease and stroke in adults.
?˜ The UK?’s Independent SCOTH report in 2004 said, ?“No infant or adult should be exposed to second-hand smoke?…?…some groups, for example, bar staff are heavily exposed at their place of work.?”
?˜ Tobacco smoke is already one of the major causes of health inequalities between rich and poor. Any decision other than a total smoking ban in public places would lead to discrimination with some workers being protected while lower paid, often un-unionised workers (and their customers) would continue to be exposed to cancer causing substances at work.
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