More Co Louth men died of lung cancer between 1991 and 1995 than in any other county in the Republic, according to North Eastern Health Board (NEHB) figures. A separate study, examining deaths between 1971 and 1991, has found that deaths from cancer in Co Louth were 15 per cent above the national average.
The author of the latter survey, Dr Denis Pringle, of Maynooth University's geography department, said: "There is a higher mortality rate in Louth for men and women with cancers. I also found cancer was the main cause of death and was more common in Louth than in other counties."
His study involved a statistical examination of deaths in the Republic from 1971 to 1991 and he said the NEHB's figures for 1991 to 1995 tied in with his findings. Referring to the NEHB study, Dr Pringle added: "Louth is the worst for lung cancer and is very close to the top for most forms of cancers."
The NEHB statistics, covering Cos Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, were included in a briefing to a board member, Senator Fergus O'Dowd, who organises the annual Sellafield conference in Drogheda. He believes high unemployment is one of the major factors in the rate of diseases, such as heart conditions and cancers, in the county. He has called for "a ministerial-led task force . . . to look at why Louth is so different".
Dr Pringle said Co Louth was very urbanised and higher cancer rates were found in urban areas. He said radon gas could also be a factor.