News
Harmful alcohol use leads to higher cancer risk
A new global study lead by researchers from NUI Galway has drawn a link between harmful alcohol use and an increased risk of alcohol- related cancers such as mouth cancer. The research, which has been published in
the Lancet, analysed data from ı2 countries across five continents and involved ıı4,970 adults who were followed for an average of four years. Lead researcher Dr Andrew Smyth from
NUI Galway said: “Our data would support the call to increase global awareness of the harmful use of alcohol and the need to further identify and target the modifiable determinants of harmful alcohol use.” Although current drinking was associated
with a 24 per cent lower risk of heart attack, there was no reduction in risk of mortality or stroke and a 5ı per cent increase in risk of alcohol-related cancers (such as mouth, aesophagus, stomach, liver, colorectal, breast, ovary and head and neck) and a 29 per cent increase in risk of injury. An increased risk of death was seen in those with high alcohol intake (3ı per cent increase) and heavy episodic drinking (54 per cent increase). Graham Love, the Chief Executive at the
HRB, who funded Dr Smyth’s research said: “The HRB national alcohol diary survey last
Queen’s professor talks at IOC
Professor Donald Burden, director of the Queens’ University Belfast Centre for Dental Education was among the speakers at the International Orthodontic Congress (IOC) in London recently. The meeting, which was
co-hosted by the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) and the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO), brought together nearly 6,000 dental professionals from ıı6 countrues. Prof Burden’s talk looked
year showed that 54 per cent of Irish people who drink, do so in a harmful manner. When you consider our national level of harmful drinking with these global findings it points to the potential for serious health consequences for Irish drinkers into the future. “We must use quality research evidence like
this to inform individual choices and public health policy in relation to alcohol. “It is very encouraging to see both people
that the HRB has funded and the research facilities that we have financed, come together to facilitate Irish participation in such a significant piece of international research.”
Early diagnosis saves lives AWARENESS DAY
A senior lecturer and consultant at Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) has reminded colleagues of the importance of early detection of mouth cancer following another successful Mouth Cancer Awareness Day (MCAD) event. Dr Denise MacCarthy organised the
Dublin awareness event which this year saw a series of public lectures and information stands from the Dental Health Foundation, Irish Cancer Society and Alcohol Action Ireland among others. Dr MacCarthy said: “If a cancer is detected
at stage four, the five-year survival rate is ı2 to ı6 per cent but if the cancer is diagnosed at stage one, the five-year survival rate is 86 per cent. The dentist is the ideal clinician to
8 Ireland’s Dental magazine
notice early changes in the oral tissues. “We have had five MCAD’s since 20ı0
where free checkups were offered to members of the public. Over the five years, 2ı,500 people attended for checkups and 26 early cancers were diagnosed. “We need to encourage people to attend
the dentist for regular checkups because less than 30 per cent of people who are entitled to a free annual dental checkup in fact attend. Early diagnosis saves lives.” This year’s focus was on rural communi-
ties and articles were placed in the Farmers Journal and the Farming Supplement of the Irish Independent to raise awareness. Dr MacCarthy encouraged practices
across Ireland to display information about mouth cancer, especially about risk factors such as smoking and alcohol.
at the contribution of ortho- dontic treatment to general health and wellbeing, high- lighting the benefits in psychological and social well-being. The presen- tation also included the results of a longitudinal study completed at the Queen’s University Dental School which explored both the psychological and social benefits of orthognathic treatment. The IOC saw Professor
Nigel Hunt and Professor Birte Melsen awarded honorary membership of the WFO while Bill DeKock, a founder of the WFO, received the first service award which has been created in his name. Tribute was paid to them all by Dr Roberto Justus, president of the WFO.
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