58% higher lungcancer rate issmoking related

Lung cancer rates are 58 per cent higher than expected, according to the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR). But whilst residents want a study into potential links between industry and cancer the Health Department (DHSSPS) says it’s more likely due to smoking.

A fortnight ago the Sentinel reported how Environment Minister Alex Attwood was asked to examine links between industry and cancer there. Last year the paper revealed cancer rates for the city showing every community had suffered cancer deaths in double figures since 2007 but Enagh (108 diagnoses between 2007 and 2009) and Culmore (139) had the highest numbers. The SDLP locally pointed out, however, that both would be expected to rank highly in terms of deaths due to their high populations.

Mr Attwood said he would forward the request for a study to the Health Minister. However, when asked by the Sentinel, a spokesperson for DHSSPS said it had not received a request from DoE.

“However, the Department has previously received correspondence from Enagh Youth Forum and Maeve McLaughlin MLA concerning cancer rates in the Strathfoyle, Maydown and Culmore areas of Derry/Londonderry,” a spokesperson said.

“There is evidence of a lung cancer cluster in Enagh and Culmore electoral wards with lung cancer rates 58 per cent higher than expected.

“However there is no evidence for a cancer cluster for all types of cancer combined. The majority of lung cancers are attributable to cigarette smoking and this risk factor should be addressed in reducing the cancer burden in this population.”

Meanwhile, the DoE has confirmed a general notice was not placed in the press after the decision to approve the plant was taken in September 2011. It said this was due “to an administrative oversight this last action was not taken at the time. Action has now been taken to rectify this.”

The DoE said, however, that: “Derry City Council and the wider community were consulted about the application in line with standard procedures before the decision was taken to approve the application in September 2011.”

A spokesperson for the DoE said: “There is no question of attempting to cover up the decision taken. On the contrary everyone who had made representations in respect of the application were notified in writing by the Department of the outcome to the planning application at the time the decision was taken.”