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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cancer Incidence.

John Gormley

Question:

462 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of cancer of the bladder that pertains in this country; whether this level is increasing; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ingestion of chlorine is considered a factor in this condition. [9371/98]

Details regarding the number of cases and deaths from cancer of the bladder in Ireland are set out in the following table for the years 1994 and 1995. They have been supplied by the National Cancer Registry Board.

It is important to examine trends over a number of years before reaching definitive conclusions regarding the incidence of any particular cancer. A number of research studies have suggested that there may be an association between the consumption of chlorinated water and cancers, including bladder cancer. However, the evidence is difficult to interpret and no clear association has been established to date. Bladder cancer has a known association with cigarette smoking and certain industrial chemicals and dyes, and these exposures are highly preventable. Adequate disinfection of drinking water is essential for public health and the advantages of chlorination far outweigh any possible risks.

1994

1995

Males

Cases

345

337

Cases per 100,000

19.5

18.8

Deaths

112

115

Deaths per 100,000

6.3

6.4

Females

Cases

164

109

Cases per 100,000

9.2

6.0

Deaths

73

47

Deaths per 100,000

4.1

2.6

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