Latest news with #ClaireNeill
RTÉ News
08-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Four-in-ten aware alcohol can increase risk of cancer
Less than four-in-ten people are aware that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing cancer, according to new research from the HSE. This is compared to more than seven out of ten people who know about the link between smoking and cancer. The research also shows alcohol can cause at least seven types of cancer including mouth, throat and voicebox. A Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the HSE National Health Improvement Programme has said that reducing alcohol intake reduces the risk of cancer. Alcohol is one of the key preventable causes of cancer, as is smoking, Dr Claire Neill said, but many people are unaware of this. "It has been classified as a group one carcinogen which means alcohol causes cancer and that includes seven types of cancer that we are aware of," she said on RTÉ's Morning Ireland. "Getting that information out there really helps people to make make more informed decisions about drinking alcohol and about their health." Dr Neill said that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for health and "low risk isn't no risk". Alcohol consumption by Irish adults fell by 4.5% last year, continuing a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years, according to a recent report. The report, commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland, shows that average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5% last year to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one third (34.3%) since 2001.
The Courier
15-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Dundee businesses back Raac campaign
Raac campaigners have enlisted the help of Dundee businesses to raise awareness of the crisis in the city. Yvette Hoskins, Claire Neill and Margaret McLeod took to the streets on Wednesday afternoon with 100 posters designed and printed by The Courier. The group visited outlets across the city centre, from pubs and butchers to record stores and newsagents, distributing the posters and speaking to business owners. The campaign comes amid growing concern from residents who are living with the defective concrete. Dundee has the most Raac-affected residential properties in Scotland, with almost 900 homes confirmed to contain the material. Neighbouring Monifieth is also affected. Yvette Hoskins, vice chairperson of the Dundee Raac Campaign Group, said: 'I need the community of Dundee to come together as a whole. 'To help support the residents whose homes are in a dangerous position to be in. 'To allow us to have a voice to take us to Westminster. 'We still have other areas to cover with the campaign posters. 'We have a great opportunity to try keep the campaign alive. 'We need to let the public and the communities know that Raac is so much bigger than people realise.' Many business owners were more than happy to put campaign posters in their windows, expressing their concerns for the people affected by the issue. The posters contain a QR code that directs people to sign a petition that will give campaigners a voice at Westminster. Raac (Reinforced, Autoclaved, Aerated Concrete) is a cheaper alternative to concrete that was widely used to build homes between 1950s and 1990s. The material, however, can pose significant structural issues. It is especially dangerous when saturated by water, which further weakens the structure. Campaigners are urging people to sign the petition to take the issue of Raac to Westminster in the hope serious action can be taken. Tenants and homeowners with Raac feel trapped in the situation and are calling for the support of politicians, businesses and the wider community. The Courier has launched our Trapped by Raac campaign to help those affected by the burgeoning crisis. They need 10,000 people to sign this petition to give them a voice – so we're asking our readers to help them achieve that goal.
