Vhi Healthcare calls on Women to Stop Smoking as IR£27m paid out in claims

28th February 2001 - Vhi Healthcare today 28 February 2001 (National No Smoking Day) called on women in particular to cease smoking. There were over 25,000 claims for cancer treatments for women in the last year at a cost of over IR£27m.

Overall, Vhi Healthcare paid out a total £47m in claims for cancer treatments (male and female) with an average benefit of £2,143 per claim.

Dr. Bernadette Carr, Medical Director, Vhi Healthcare said "If we could significantly reduce smoking in younger women, this would have a far greater impact on the health of Irish women than any other single initiative".

"Pregnant women who smoke have an increased risk of miscarriage, of having a still born baby or having a low birth weight baby. Smoking can lead to cot deaths and an increase in asthma in children whose mothers smoke. Smoking also adds significantly to ageing of the skin" Dr. Carr added.

Vhi Healthcare are increasing resources in preventative healthcare in the medical interest of our members and in the interests of keeping healthcare costs down.

Nearly 6,000 people die in Ireland each year from smoking-related diseases. Smoking is a major cause of 90% of lung cancer deaths, 25% of deaths from heart disease and 75% of deaths from bronchitis and emphysema.

To find out more about cancer and other smoking related illnesses check out Vhi’s website www.vhihealthe.ie.

For further information:
Kathleen Cahill
Public Relations Manager, Vhi Healthcare.
Ph: 01-7997026 or 087-2538279