Major Northern Ireland survey to seek public views on cancer

May 10 2005

A major postal survey which will help raise cancer awareness is being conducted by the University of Ulster and funded by the Ulster Cancer Foundation.

Over the next couple of weeks thousands of people throughout Northern Ireland will be asked to complete a questionnaire and information from the completed questionnaires will be used to plan improved cancer services for all sections of the population.

Project leader Professor Hugh McKenna, Dean of the University's Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, says the survey will lead to even better information and services to prevent cancer in Northern Ireland.

And according to Research Fellow Sinead Keeney, a pilot survey in March produced an enthusiastic response from those taking part and she is confident that this latest piece of research will not only raise awareness about cancer but help improve the level of service.

"The survey will deal with peoples’ knowledge of cancer; their views on information about cancer prevention; and attitudes and behaviour towards cancer.

"In Northern Ireland, one in three people will develop cancer in their lifetime and around 8,500 people are newly diagnosed each year. The survey will focus on the three most common non gender specific forms of cancer in Northern Ireland: bowel, skin and lung cancer. "

Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive of the Ulster Cancer Foundation, says that the completed questionnaires will give very valuable information which will be used to improve the delivery of health promotion activities to best meet the needs of the local community.

"The Ulster Cancer Foundation is committed to tackling cancer in Northern Ireland by supporting research projects like this, providing services for cancer patients and educating people on how to reduce their risk of the disease."

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