Expert urges targeted research into ‘unexplained’ cancer spike regions

A LEADING expert has called for targeted research into “unexplained” cancer spikes in specific parts of the country which do not appear to be linked to lifestyle or family history.

Dr Harry Comber, director of the National Cancer Registry (NCR), said the research is needed to prevent people needlessly suffering life-threatening cancers.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner after the launch of the first cross-border Cancer Atlas report, the senior NCR official said specific parts of Ireland — including Cork — are suffering from “unexplained” cancer diagnosis rates.