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Lung Cancer Patient Calls for Smokefree Workplaces
By Derval Keenan, 11/7/2005 4:07:50 PM
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Mary Hill, a lung cancer patient from East Belfast has made an emotional request to the Health Minister, Shaun Woodward, to introduce smokefree workplace legislation in Northern Ireland to protect the health of local workers.
The grandmother?’s poignant appeal comes four months after the Minister requested more time to consider economic arguments, implementation issues and public opinion.
Mary, who was once a 40-a-day smoker, has backed the Ulster Cancer Foundation?’s (UCF) smokefree workplace campaign since the public consultation was launched last year.
Mary said, ?“I don?’t think that people realise the harm that they are doing to themselves and to others. It is a terrible thing to live with lung cancer, as the fear never leaves you. I never thought it would happen to me.?”
Mary was diagnosed with lung cancer over four years ago and has undergone a major operation to remove three-quarters of her lung followed by a course of radiotherapy.
Mary continued ?“If the Minister is in any way indecisive then I would advise him to visit a cancer unit so that he can see at first hand the devastating effects of second hand smoke. My experience of cancer has resulted in a more healthier smokefree life. My family only socialise in smokefree restaurants, no one smokes in my home or car anymore and I?’ve even convinced four of my friends to kick the habit. The Minister must act decisively in introducing laws that will protect the health of employees and customers from lethal cancer causing substances in the workplace and it might even help more people to give up.?”
UCF lead a political lobbying campaign ?‘Be Smokefree, Vote Option C?’, to maximise public support for smokefree workplaces. The recent consultation showed an overwhelming response with over 71,000 people taking part and an incredible 91 % in favour of a total smokefree policy in all workplaces.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ?“A recent report from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry revealed that over 90% of lung cancers are directly caused by tobacco smoke and around 45 cases are diagnosed in non-smokers each year. Lung cancer is a disease with a very poor prognosis with less than a quarter of patients alive one year after diagnosis and only 10% two years after diagnosis. It is therefore imperative that every effort is made, by those with legislative responsibility, to reduce exposure of secondhand tobacco smoke in our society.
?“UCF is confident that we have provided the Health Minister with conclusive evidence on the life threatening effects of second-hand smoke. We remain optimistic that he will make the right decision to introduce comprehensive smokefree workplace legislation to protect the health of all local workers.?”
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For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Derval Keenan, PR Officer, UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
or
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007 / 07880 504577
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