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UCF shocked at Health Secretary’s Comments
By Derval Keenan, 9/8/2004 12:02:52 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) are shocked and disappointed by Health Secretary John Reid’s comments which claimed that smoking is one of the few pleasures left for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, “There are major differences in the health status between rich and poor. Rich people live longer and have a far better quality of life, in terms of illness, than poor people. Many factors are involved in determining this, however, tobacco is the major cause of health inequalities and is the principal cause of the gap in life expectancy between rich and poor.
“The recent Northern Ireland Cancer Registry Report highlighted the higher incidence rates amongst the poor for many cancers especially those caused by smoking.
“Mr. Reid seems to think that poor people smoke because they enjoy it. The truth is they find it very difficult to quit because of the strong addiction. Research shows that 2/3 of all smokers want to quit and this applies to smokers from all socio-economic levels.
“The UCF have carried out research on smoking and low-income women in Belfast. We found that these women wanted to stop smoking but we needed to tailor our services to their particular circumstances. The UCF is working with DHSSPS, the boards and trusts, health action zones, healthy living centres and the community sector to ensure that smoking cessation services are made increasingly accessible to all smokers.
“We now have UCF services provided in many communities. Meanwhile, we are training hundreds of health professionals and community workers so that they can provide appropriate support at grass roots level.
“Smoking is the largest single cause of preventable death and ill health in our society today. It kills 2,800 people in Northern Ireland every year. It is Mr. Reid’s duty to protect the health of many low-paid workers in the hospitality industry, many of those who are un-unionised and not empowered to demand healthy smokefree workplaces. It is time he listened to the numerous health, community and trade union groups who have demanded action on this issue.”
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For further information please contact Gerry McElwee,
Head of Cancer Prevention on 028 9066 3281 / 07880 504577
or Derval keenan, PR and Events Officer on 028 9066 3281
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