A new map of cancer death rates has revealed ‘shocking health gaps' within certain areas of Dublin.

The map, which was compiled by researchers at NUI Maynooth, revealed that people living in poorer areas of Dublin were significantly more likely to die of cancer compared to those living in more affluent areas.

The figures, which cover the period 2009-2011, showed that cancer death rates in Blakestown North-West were 381 per 100,000. However in nearby Castleknock South-East, this figure fell to 128 per 100,000.

Other rates included:
-Blanchardstown North - 310 per 100,000
-Ballymun East - 265 per 100,000
-Malahide East - 138 per 100,000.

Commenting on the figures, Kathleen O'Meara of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) emphasised that while cancer affects all parts of Irish society, ‘some people are more at risk than others and where you live has a huge influence on this'.

"Unfortunately, the more deprived the area, the higher the risk of a person getting and dying from cancer. As well as this, often the poorest in society, have the greatest difficulties in accessing healthcare. In some deprived Dublin areas, there are not enough primary care resources - for instance in North Dublin there is one GP for every 2,500 people. Nationally this figure is 1:1,600," she said,

She also pointed out that in recent years, A&E charges have increased, as have other health costs, such as prescription charges.

"By 2013, this has meant that every person in Ireland was on average paying about €100 in additional costs for accessing care and prescribed drugs," Ms O'Meara pointed out.

She insisted that despite great strides being made in cancer research and treatment, ‘Ireland has become a very unequal society when it comes to health problems, particularly cancer and access to healthcare'.

The ICS pointed to data recently collected by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development which showed that between 2008 and 2012, the richest people in Ireland saw their riches fall by 16%. However the poorest people in Ireland became 28% poorer.

During this time, major cutbacks were also made to health services despite increasing pressures.

"Despite the bleak picture to date there is hope. This year for the first time in seven years the health budget was increased. As well as this, there has been Government recognition that health inequalities are damaging to the wellbeing of the country," noted Ms O'Meara.

Details of the cancer map were presented at the annual Charles Cully Lecture in Dublin.