Cancer Control Activities in Australian Public Hospitals

Cancer is a major cause of death in Australia and there is considerable interest in the role health education in hospital settings has in reducing this burden. Based on a survey of medical superintendents and other hospital staff, this article describes the cancer control activities routinely conducted in Australian public hospitals. The survey considered cigarette smoking, alcohol, diet and nutrition, exercise, and the early detection of skin cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Overall 112 medical superintendents (93%) participated and a further 163 hospital staff members provided additional details. Not unexpectedly, the survey confirmed the very low level of activity and identified a number of specific issues that need to be addressed in order to enhance cancer control activities in public hospitals. Given the relatively higher level of activity, and the prominence of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption as health issues, one approach might be to initially concentrate on these areas when they are related to the patient's condition. Article in International Quarterly of Community Health Education 15(3):229-40 · January 1994

Statistics on Smoking Cessation Services in Northern Ireland: 2014/15

This information release, produced by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s Information and Analysis Directorate, provides information on smoking cessation services. Data are included on the monitoring of smoking cessation services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015. This report also provides an analysis of data collected in 2014/15 in respect of clients who set a quit date during 2013/14 (52 week follow-up). Information contained within this report was downloaded from a web based recording system. Figures here are correct as of 1st September 2015. The Ten Year Tobacco Control Strategy for Northern Ireland aims to see fewer people starting to smoke, more smokers quitting and protecting people from tobacco smoke. It is aimed at the entire population of Northern Ireland as smoking and its harmful effects cut across all barriers of class, race and gender. There is a strong relationship between smoking and inequalities, with more people dying of smoking-related illnesses in disadvantaged areas of Northern Ireland than in its more affluent areas. In order to ensure that more focused action is directed to where it is needed the most, three priority groups have been identified. They are: · Children and young people; · Disadvantaged people who smoke; and · Pregnant women, and their partners, who smoke. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is responsible for implementing the strategy and the development of cessation services is a key element of the overall aim to tackle smoking. The 2013/14 Health Survey Northern Ireland reported that 22% of adults currently smoke (23% of males and 21% of females). In addition, in 2013, the Young Persons’ Behaviour and Attitude Survey (YPBAS) found that 6% of pupils aged between and 11 and 16 smoked (7% of males and 5% of females).      

An assessment of the economic cost of smoking in Ireland

The Department of Health has published a report entitled - An assessment of the economic cost of smoking in Ireland.  The study was carried out for the Department of Health by ICF International.  The purpose of this study is to contribute to the evidence base of tobacco consumption and its effects in Ireland, to help support the implementation of the recommendations made in The Tobacco Free Ireland report (2013).