New call for help in cancer research

New calls have been made by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for help into research on cancer levels at National Semiconductor, a firm specialising in analogue equipment.

The HSE is asking for assistance as a consequence of number of instances of brain cancer among men and episodes of breast, stomach and lung cancer among women.

In addition to a selection of current and former employees, help is being requested from some of the relatives of those who currently work at the site, or have done so previously.

"It is very important that we investigate our earlier findings as fully as possible. We want to understand if work at the factory may have affected cancer risks in the workforce," said Dr John Osman, a representative from the HSE.

"We need as many people as possible to respond positively to our request for help," he added.

The work of the HSE is being conducted in partnership with the Institute of Occupational Medicine.