MEDIA RELEASE 	Media embargo – 1 June 2011
Heroin linked to increased cancer risk
Heroin dependent people have a higher risk of death from cancer than the general population.
This is the finding from a study published in the June issue of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
 “Death from cancer is becoming increasingly elevated among this group particularly because of their high exposure to hepatitis B and C, and heavy alcohol and tobacco use,” said co-author Professor Louisa Degenhardt, of the Burnet Institute.
Lower survival because of reduced access to early diagnosis and treatment in this group may also be a factor.
“As people live longer with heroin dependence, cancer will become an increasingly important cause of death. 
“Unfortunately, much less attention is given to alcohol and tobacco use, and lifestyle factors, among this group.”
The study, which examined cancer mortality in people who had entered methadone treatment from 1985-2006, was completed by a group working at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) in Sydney.
 ENDS
For more information about this research, contact Louisa Degenhardt at the Burnet Institute: 
Media contact: Cath Somerville (Media and communications officer); Phone: (03) 8506 2404  OR 0422 043 498; email: cathsomerville@burnet.edu.au 
MEDIA ONLY: To receive a PDF of the paper or for more information about ANZJPH, contact: Peta Neilson ANZJPH Administration Ph: (03) 9329 3535
E-mail: anzjph@substitution.com.au

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health is published by the Public Health Association of Australia. Information on the Association and the Journal can be found at http://www.phaa.net.au