PEOPLE LIVING IN the Republic of Ireland face a “significantly” greater risk of developing many types of cancer than those living in Northern Ireland, according to newly released research.

The All Ireland Cancer Atlas, a cross-border survey carried out over 13 years by the Cancer Registry at Queen’s University Belfast and the National Cancer Registry in Cork, found marked geographical differences in incidents of cancer on the island.

Researchers analysed 18 forms of cancer and concluded that those in the Republic were significantly more likely to develop non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma, leukaemia, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer and cancer of the brain or central nervous system.

Prostate cancer diagnosis was shown to be 30 per cent lower in the Republic than in Northern Ireland.

However, the likelihood of developing lung cancer was higher in Northern Ireland.

Dr Anna Gavin, director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, said that the highest levels of melanoma and skin cancer were detected around the coast – and particularly around the southern coast of the counrty.

The atlas found that certain cancers were more common in areas suffering from higher unemployment and educational attainment – including lung, stomach, head, neck and cervical cancers.

Read in full: All Ireland Cancer Atlas>