A SHOCKING report into the borough's poor state of health has found that Halton has England's highest early death rate from cancer.

And the NHS document 'Halton Health Profile 2007' also reveals that the number of early cancer deaths has shot up by a staggering 10% over the past year.

Health experts and borough chiefs are still convinced that lifestyle issues including smoking, drinking, bad diet and social deprivation are behind Halton's unenviable cancer statistics, despite millions of pounds being spent in recent years on schemes to promote healthy living.

Their conclusions back up the findings of the Lancaster University health study commissioned by the council in 2002

which rejected industrial pollution as a significant factor in cancer rates and found lifestyle issues to be the root cause of the problem.

A spokeswoman for St Helens and Halton Primary Care Trust claimed progress was being made to educate deprived communities about the health dangers they face.

She said: 'Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in men and women living in Halton.

'As a borough we face high levels of deprivation and significantly high rates of smoking, both of which are major contributory factors.

'The Health Profiles have again highlighted that we still have a significant way to go to improving the health of our local population, but we are making progress.'

She added: 'Through the Healthier Communities Collaborative we are already working in some of the most deprived areas in Halton to train local people to work with those communities and individuals most at risk and encourage them to recognise and understand the health issues they are facing.

Halton Council chiefs met on Tuesday morning to discuss the report's findings.

A spokesman said: 'The council is already aware of many of these factors and as health is the key priority for the Local Strategic Partnership we have, along with our partners, identified additional resources to tackle many of the health issues in the report.'

Fighting back

ACTION to reverse Halton's reputation as the country's main cancer blackspot is being stepped up by health chiefs.

Schemes to discourage smoking and excessive drinking, and improve diets are cornerstones of ongoing education programmes being rolled out in some of the most poverty stricken corners of the borough.

Halton and St Helens PCT claims lung, bowel and breast cancer patients presenting themselves too late for effective medical treatment, is a key factor in Halton having England's highest early cancer death rate.

Schemes are already in place to target the most at risk, not only socially deprived smokers, but men, who are least likely to seek treatment before their cancer reaches its most aggressive stage.

A PCT spokeswoman said: 'Smoking is the biggest, single contributory factor in lung cancer and we already offer smoking cessation services in many of our GP practices and community venues.

'We also offer a specialist service for hardened smokers who need extra help to quit.

'In view of the fact men are less likely to access GP services and do not present with cancer symptoms until it is too late, we have developed a men's health programme.'

Health takes priority for council

A HALTON Council spokesman said health was 'the priority issue' for the Local Strategic Partnership and the council is focusing on ways to boost health.

They include:

* Pouring more resources into health promotion schemes and initiatives including independent living centres, new health facilities and health trainers to educate and support people.

* Targeting people most at risk of chronic diseases and advising on lifestyle changes.

* Working more closely with GPs and schools on health promotional activities to encourage future generations to stay healthy.

* Providing free access to sports through the council's SPLASH programme and encourage people to actively use the borough's parks and countryside.

Findings

THE findings of Halton Health Profile 2007 include:

* Seventeen of the report's 26 health indicators were worse and none were better than the national average.

* The smoking rate is estimated to be similar to the national average, yet Halton's death rate from smoking is higher than average.

* The percentage of adults who eat healthily is below average.

* Life expectancies in Halton are below average and women have the second lowest life expectancy in England.

* Halton's early cancer death rate is the highest in England.

* Early deaths from stroke and heart disease is higher than average.

* People claiming sickness benefit on mental health grounds is higher than average.

* The number of alcohol-related hospital admissions in Halton is England's fourth highest.

* Halton has a higher than average number of registered diabetics.

* The poorest and most affluent people have an average life expectancy difference of 6.4 years.

* 23.8% of adults in Halton are binge drinkers.

adrian.short@cheshirenews.co.uk