Concern as increase in cancers linked to workplace

The Irish Cancer Society said lung cancer accounts for nearly a quarter of all these cancers.

People who are exposed to chemicals should be aware of the risks and the society is calling on anyone exposed to chemicals to be aware of the threat.

The charity said that "mesothelioma, which is related to asbestos exposure, continues to increase and it is estimated that about 56 people a year get this disease".

It added: "Symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain.

"There is no cure for this fatal form of asbestos-related disease."

Hermione Hennessy, whose father was the Tralee-born singer Christie Hennessy, is seeking to raise awareness of the disease which claimed his life.

"My dad Christie died of mesothelioma in December 2007, a few weeks after his 62nd birthday," she said.

"The experts told us it was caused by exposure to asbestos that happened some time in his early 20s through his work on building sites.

"He had a persistently dry, breathless cough that got worse towards Christmas, sometimes seeing blood when he blew his nose or spat into a tissue.

"After courses of antibiotics and a diagnosis of suspected TB, he was finally diagnosed with mesothelioma.

"Dad wanted to raise awareness of this disease in order to help others be diagnosed sooner, and he decided to make it public during his treatment. If you see something in your workplace that you are worried about, please don't be afraid to draw attention to it."

Christie emigrated to England as a young man and penned classic songs including 'All The Lies That You Told Me' and 'Don't Forget Your Shovel'.

Kevin O'Hagan, cancer prevention manager, said: "There are many cancer-causing elements that can be found in the workplace, the most well-known ones being asbestos and silica dust.

"We need to be smart about identifying these carcinogens, reducing workers' exposure to them and ultimately saving them from a potential cancer diagnosis."