Expert denies Irish cancer rates highest in EU

AN Irish cancer expert has dismissed the findings of a European survey claiming the country has the highest cancer rates in the European Union.

The director of the National Cancer Registry, Dr Harry Comber, said the most reliable data showed Ireland ranked fifth in cancer incidence in the EU.

"A recent Eurobarometer survey has been quoted as showing Ireland has the highest rate of cancer in the EU. This report entitled Health, Food and Alcohol and Safety was based on an opinion poll and shows much higher variation in cancer rates between countries than actually exists," Dr Comber said.