Disadvantaged 'twice as likely to die from cancer'

People living in disadvantaged areas of Ireland can be twice as likely to die from cancer as the well off, according to the Irish Cancer Society.

The society said something has to be done about Ireland's widening healthcare gap.

Health Minister James Reilly will today launch a five-year strategy for the group entitled 'Towards a Future Without Cancer'.

Head of Advocacy and Communications with the ICS, Kathleen O'Meara, said half the difference in life expectancy can be put down to smoking, and that must be a "priority".