Leinster has highest rates of cancer

FINDINGS:COUNTIES IN Leinster have significantly higher numbers of cancer cases compared with the rest of the country, according to new research.

A county-by-county analysis of cancer rates by the Institute of Public Health shows that prevalence of the disease is highest in Dublin, with 400 cases per 100,000 people.

Other counties in Leinster have similar rates such as Longford, Meath, Kildare, Wickow, Carlow and Westmeath. However, cancer rates are significantly lower outside the eastern regions. For example, Co Clare has the lowest cancer rate on the island of Ireland, with 287 cases per 100,000 people.

The report says it is extremely important to understand why such variations occur and to ensure that regions at high risk become a public health priority.

Other data contained in the institute's report shows the proportion of people who smoke is highest in Co Longford (33 per cent). The lowest proportion is in Co Wicklow (16 per cent) and Co Leitrim (18 per cent).

In general, the patterns indicate that smoking prevalence may be lower along the west and south coast of the island. The research also suggests that higher smoking prevalence may be associated with greater numbers of children born with a low weight.

Hospitalisation rates are broadly similar between the Republic and Northern Ireland.

In the Republic, Sligo has the highest rate of hospitalisation (32,680) compared to Kerry (20,120), which has the lowest.

In general, the east and the south of the country have lower rates, possibly indicating a greater reliance on community-based services rather than hospitals.

The director of the Institute of Public Health, Dr Kevin Balanda, said the data could form the basis of more comprehensive area-level health and wellbeing profiles across the island that would help health planners tailor health and social services to meet local needs.

"This data allows people to look at the health situation in their own county or in their own local government district.

"We are beginning to build a picture of health at the local level allowing people and planners to see how they compare with others in their jurisdiction and across the island," Dr Balanda said.

"These datasets highlight many differences in health and well-being across the island, and we hope will stimulate interest in why this is so, and what can be learned from other areas that face similar issues," he added.