Research Profile

Harry Comber

Biography

Harry Comber is the current Chair of the Scientific Council, International Agency for Research on Cancer.  He is a member of grant review panels for the Ulster Cancer Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society.  Dr Comber was involved in organising a National conference on Cancer.  He has also refereed 17 journal articles for established International peer reviewed journals including the BMJ and the International Journal of Cancer.

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Research Interests

Dr Comber’s interests are in geographical variation in cancer and health services research.  More specifically, maximising the value of the data collected by the National Cancer Registry developing methods of measuring the impact of cancer and cancer care on patients building research links with colleagues in Northern Ireland and other areas in Europe, and with the US. 

Research Grants

 ProjectFunding
Body
Start DateEnd DateAward
[IRISH CANC. REG. BOARD] {COMBER DR.} NMiscellaneous01-JAN-9001-JAN-13€30,113,927.00
[HRB CEF2/2002] {Comber, Dr. Harry} NHealth Research Board01-MAR-0330-JUN-07€210,510.00
[Dept Health 2nd Cancer Report]{Comber}NDepartment of Health01-JUN-0331-MAY-04€74,718.00

Publications

Books

 YearPublication
(2008)Cancer in Ireland 1994-2005: a summary.
Comber H, Deady S; (2008) Cancer in Ireland 1994-2005: a summary. [Details]
(2008)Patterns of care and survival of cancer patients in Ireland 1994 to 2004.
Comber H. Walsh PM; (2008) Patterns of care and survival of cancer patients in Ireland 1994 to 2004. [Details]
(2006)Trends in Irish cancer incidence 1994-2002 with projections to 2020.
Comber H; (2006) Trends in Irish cancer incidence 1994-2002 with projections to 2020. [Details]
(2006)Patterns of care and survival of cancer patients in Ireland 1994 to 2001.
Walsh PM Comber H; (2006) Patterns of care and survival of cancer patients in Ireland 1994 to 2001. [Details]
(2006)Women and cancer in Ireland1994-2002¿a joint report with the Women¿s Health Council.
Sharp L, Comber H, Luddy, G; (2006) Women and cancer in Ireland1994-2002¿a joint report with the Women¿s Health Council. [Details]
(2004)All-Ireland Cancer Statistics 1998-2000.
Walsh PM, Comber H, Gavin A; (2004) All-Ireland Cancer Statistics 1998-2000. [Details]
(2003)Patterns of care and survival from cancer in Ireland 1999 to 2001.
NicAmhlaoibh R, Comber H, Mahmud S; (2003) Patterns of care and survival from cancer in Ireland 1999 to 2001. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2014)'Smokers Still Underestimate the Risks Posed by Secondhand Smoke: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study'
Lonergan, B.J., Meaney, S., Perry, I.J., Comber, H., Power, B., Bradley, C. and B.A. Greiner (2014) 'Smokers Still Underestimate the Risks Posed by Secondhand Smoke: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study'. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 16 :1121-1128 [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Interventions for raising breast cancer awareness in women (Protocol)'
O’Mahony M, Comber H, Fitzgerald T, Corrigan M, Fitzgerald E, Grunfeld EA, Flynn MG, Hegarty J. (2014) 'Interventions for raising breast cancer awareness in women (Protocol)'. Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, (12) [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Uses of cancer registries for public health and clinical research in Europe: Results of the European Network of Cancer Registries survey among 161 population-based cancer registries during 2010-2012'
Siesling S, Louwman WJ, Kwast A, van den Hurk C, O'Callaghan M, Rosso S, Zanetti R, Storm H, Comber H, Steliarova-Foucher E, Coebergh JW (2014) 'Uses of cancer registries for public health and clinical research in Europe: Results of the European Network of Cancer Registries survey among 161 population-based cancer registries during 2010-2012'. European Journal of Cancer, [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'The European Cancer Observatory: A new data resource'
. Steliarova-Foucher E, O'Callaghan M, Ferlay J, Masuyer E, Rosso S, Forman D, Bray F, Comber H (2014) 'The European Cancer Observatory: A new data resource'. European Journal of Cancer, [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'The magnitude and characteristics of the population of cancer survivors: using population-based estimates of cancer prevalence to inform service planning for survivorship care'
Sharp L, Deady S, Gallagher P, Molcho M, Pearce A, Alforque Thomas A, Timmons A, Comber H (2014) 'The magnitude and characteristics of the population of cancer survivors: using population-based estimates of cancer prevalence to inform service planning for survivorship care'. BMC Cancer, [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Economic evaluation of cancer registration in Europe'
Zanetti R, Sacchetto L, Calvia M, Bordoni A, Hakulinen T, Znaor A, Moller H, Siesling S, Comber H, Katalinic A, Rosso S (2014) 'Economic evaluation of cancer registration in Europe'. Registry Management, [Details]
(2014)'Risk of several cancers is higher in urban areas after adjusting for socioeconomic status. Results from a two-country population-based study of 18 common cancers'
. Sharp L, Donnelly D, Hegarty A, Carsin AE, Deady S, McCluskey N, Gavin A, Comber H (2014) 'Risk of several cancers is higher in urban areas after adjusting for socioeconomic status. Results from a two-country population-based study of 18 common cancers'. Journal of Urban Health, [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Smoking at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival in head and neck cancer: findings from a large, population-based study'
Sharp L, McDevitt J, Carsin AE, Brown C, Comber H (2014) 'Smoking at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival in head and neck cancer: findings from a large, population-based study'. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Surveillance of nonmelanoma skin cancer incidence rates in kidney transplant recipients in Ireland'
Bannon FJ, McCaughan JA, Traynor C, O'Brien K, Gavin AT, Maxwell AP, Comber H, Conlon PJ (2014) 'Surveillance of nonmelanoma skin cancer incidence rates in kidney transplant recipients in Ireland'. Transplantation, [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Socioeconomic disparity in survival after breast cancer in Ireland: observational study'
Walsh PM, Byrne J, Kelly M, McDevitt J, Comber H. (2014) 'Socioeconomic disparity in survival after breast cancer in Ireland: observational study'. Plos One, [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Economic evaluation of cancer registration in Europe'
Zanetti R, Sacchetto L, Calvia M, Bordoni A, Hakulinen T, Znaor A, Moller H, Siesling S, Comber H, Katalinic A, Rosso S; Eurocourse WP3 Working Group (2014) 'Economic evaluation of cancer registration in Europe'. [Details]
(2014)'Increasing skin cancer incidence in young, affluent, urban populations: a challenge for prevention'
Deady S, Sharp L, Comber H. Br J Dermatol. (2014) 'Increasing skin cancer incidence in young, affluent, urban populations: a challenge for prevention'. The British Journal of Dermatology, [Details]
(2013)'Long-term effects of statin treatment in elderly people: extended follow-up of the PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER)'
Lloyd SM, Stott DJ, de Craen AJ, Kearney PM, Sattar N, Perry I, Packard CJ, Briggs A, Marchbank L, Comber H, Jukema JW, Westendorp RG, Trompet S, Buckley BM, Ford I (2013) 'Long-term effects of statin treatment in elderly people: extended follow-up of the PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER)'. Plos One, 8 (9) [DOI] [CORA Link] [Details]
(2013)'Cancer incidence and mortality patterns in Europe: estimates for 40 countries in 2012'
Ferlay j, Lortet-tieulent J, Rosso S, Goebergh JWW, Comber H, Forman D, Bray F (2013) 'Cancer incidence and mortality patterns in Europe: estimates for 40 countries in 2012'. European Journal of Cancer, [Details]
(2012)'Radical prostatectomy versus watchful waiting for prostate cancer'
Hegarty J, Beirne PV, Walsh E, Comber H, Fitzgerald T, Wallace Kazer M. (2012) 'Radical prostatectomy versus watchful waiting for prostate cancer'. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2):1-65 [DOI] [Details]
(2012)'Cost of care for colorectal cancer in Ireland: a health care payer perspective'
Tilson, L and Sharp, L and Usher, C and Walsh, C and S, Whyte and O'Ceilleachair, A and Stuart, C and Mehigan, B and John Kennedy, M and Tappenden, P and Chilcott, J and Staines, A and Comber, H and Barry, M (2012) 'Cost of care for colorectal cancer in Ireland: a health care payer perspective'. European Journal of Health Economics, 13 (4):511-524 [DOI] [Details]
(2011)'Cost of care for colorectal cancer in Ireland: a health care payer perspective'
Tilson L, Sharp L, Usher C, Walsh C, S W, O'Ceilleachair A, Stuart C, Mehigan B, John Kennedy M, Tappenden P, Chilcott J, Staines A, Comber H, Barry M (2011) 'Cost of care for colorectal cancer in Ireland: a health care payer perspective'. European Journal of Health Economics, Epub ahead of publication [DOI] [Details]
(2010)'Radical prostatectomy versus watchful waiting for prostate cancer'
Hegarty J, Beirne PV, Walsh E, Comber H, Fitzgerald AP, Wallace Kazer M; (2010) 'Radical prostatectomy versus watchful waiting for prostate cancer'. Cochrane database of systematic reviews (Online), 11 (CD006590 Review) [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'Malignant melanoma and breast carcinoma: a bidirectional correlation'
Ho WL, Comber H, Hill AD, Murphy GM; (2009) 'Malignant melanoma and breast carcinoma: a bidirectional correlation'. Irish Journal of Medical Science, [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'Trends in prostate specific antigen testing in Ireland: lessons from a country without guidelines'
Drummond FJ, Carsin AE, Sharp L, Comber H; (2009) 'Trends in prostate specific antigen testing in Ireland: lessons from a country without guidelines'. Irish Journal of Medical Science, [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'The association between alcohol and reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma'
Anderson LA, Cantwell MM, Watson RG, Johnston BT, Murphy SJ, Ferguson HR, McGuigan J, Comber H, Reynolds JV, Murray LJ; (2009) 'The association between alcohol and reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma'. Gastroenterology, 136 (3):799-805 [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'Factors prompting PSA-testing of asymptomatic men in a country with no guidelines: a national survey of general practitioners'
Drummond FJ, Carsin AE, Sharp L, Comber H; (2009) 'Factors prompting PSA-testing of asymptomatic men in a country with no guidelines: a national survey of general practitioners'. Family Practice, 10 [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'Rising incidence of renal cell carcinoma in Ireland'
Falebita OA, Mancini S, Kiely E, Comber H; (2009) 'Rising incidence of renal cell carcinoma in Ireland'. International Urology and Nephrology, 41 (1):7-12 [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'Glycemic index, carbohydrate and fiber intakes and risk of reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma'
Mulholland HG, Cantwell MM, Anderson LA, Johnston BT, Watson RG, Murphy SJ, Ferguson HR, McGuigan J, Reynolds JV, Comber H, Murray LJ; (2009) 'Glycemic index, carbohydrate and fiber intakes and risk of reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma'. Cancer, 20 (3):279-288 [DOI] [Details]
(2009)'Is there under-treatment of pancreatic cancer? Evidence from a population-based study in Ireland'
Sharp L, Carsin AE, Cronin-Fenton DP, O'Driscoll D, Comber H; (2009) 'Is there under-treatment of pancreatic cancer? Evidence from a population-based study in Ireland'. Cancer, 45 (8):1450-1459 [DOI] [Details]
(2008)'Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric atrophy and the stages of the oesophageal inflammation, metaplasia, adenocarcinoma sequence: results from the FINBAR case-control study'
Anderson LA, Murphy SJ, Johnston BT, Watson RG, Ferguson HR, Bamford KB, Ghazy A, McCarron P, McGuigan J, Reynolds JV, Comber H, Murray LJ; (2008) 'Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric atrophy and the stages of the oesophageal inflammation, metaplasia, adenocarcinoma sequence: results from the FINBAR case-control study'. Gut, 57 (6):734-739 [DOI] [Details]
(2008)'Questionnaire order significantly increased response to a postal survey sent to primary care physicians'
Drummond FJ, Sharp L, Carsin AE, Kelleher T, Comber H; (2008) 'Questionnaire order significantly increased response to a postal survey sent to primary care physicians'. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 61 (2):177-185 [DOI] [Details]
(2008)'Uncertainty and quality of life among men undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer in the United States and Ireland'
Hegarty JM, Wallace M, Comber H; (2008) 'Uncertainty and quality of life among men undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer in the United States and Ireland'. American Journal of Mens Health, 2 (2):133-142 [DOI] [Details]
(2008)'Major inter-laboratory variations in PSA testing practices: results from national surveys in Ireland in 2006 and 2007'
Drummond FJ, Sharp L, Comber H; (2008) 'Major inter-laboratory variations in PSA testing practices: results from national surveys in Ireland in 2006 and 2007'. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 177 (4):317-323 [DOI] [Details]
(2008)'Inequity in colorectal cancer treatment and outcomes: a population-based study'
Carsin AE, Sharp L, Cronin-Fenton DP, Céilleachair AO, Comber H; (2008) 'Inequity in colorectal cancer treatment and outcomes: a population-based study'. Cancer, 99 (2):266-274 [DOI] [Details]
(2008)'Oesophageal cancer: caregiver mental health and strain'
Donnelly M, Anderson LA, Johnston BT, Watson RG, Murphy SJ, Comber H, McGuigan J, Reynolds JV, Murray LJ; (2008) 'Oesophageal cancer: caregiver mental health and strain'. Psycho-Oncology, 17 (12):1196-1201 [DOI] [Details]
(2007)'Watchful waiting versus prostatectomy for prostate cancer (Protocol)'
Hegarty J, Beirne PV, Comber H, Wallace M. (2007) 'Watchful waiting versus prostatectomy for prostate cancer (Protocol)'. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, [DOI] [Details]
(2007)'Risk factors for Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: results from the FINBAR study'
Anderson LA, Watson RG, Murphy SJ, Johnston BT, Comber H, Mc Guigan J, Reynolds JV, Murray LJ; (2007) 'Risk factors for Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: results from the FINBAR study'. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 13 (10):1585-1594 [Details]
(2007)'Childhood cancer in Ireland: a population-based study'
Stack M, Walsh PM, Comber H, Ryan CA, O'Lorcain P; (2007) 'Childhood cancer in Ireland: a population-based study'. Archives of Disease In Childhood, 92 (10):890-897 [DOI] [Details]
(2007)'Cumulative cancer mortality risk and potential years of life lost to 64 years of age in Ireland, 1953-2002'
O'Lorcain P, Walsh PM, Comber H; (2007) 'Cumulative cancer mortality risk and potential years of life lost to 64 years of age in Ireland, 1953-2002'. Cancer, 16 (3):167-177 [DOI] [Details]
(2007)'Prostate cancer mortality predictions for Ireland up to 2015'
O'Lorcain P, Comber H; (2007) 'Prostate cancer mortality predictions for Ireland up to 2015'. Cancer, 16 (4):328-333 [DOI] [Details]
(2007)'A population-based association study of SNPs of GSTP1, MnSOD, GPX2 and Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma'
Murphy SJ, Hughes AE, Patterson CC, Anderson LA, Watson RG, Johnston BT, Comber H, McGuigan J, Reynolds JV, Murray LJ; (2007) 'A population-based association study of SNPs of GSTP1, MnSOD, GPX2 and Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma'. Genesis, 28 (6):1323-1328 [DOI] [Details]
(2007)'Patterns of care and effects on mortality for cancers of the oesophagus and gastric cardia: a population-based study'
Cronin-Fenton DP, Sharp L, Carsin AE, Comber H; (2007) 'Patterns of care and effects on mortality for cancers of the oesophagus and gastric cardia: a population-based study'. Cancer, 43 (3):565-575 [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the esophageal inflammation-metaplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence'
Anderson LA, Johnston BT, Watson RG, Murphy SJ, Ferguson HR, Comber H, McGuigan J, Reynolds JV, Murray LJ; (2006) 'Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the esophageal inflammation-metaplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence'. Cancer Research, 66 (9):4975-4982 [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'Treatment and survival for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: influence of histological subtype, age, and other factors in a population-based study (1999-2001)'
Cronin-Fenton DP, Sharp L, Deady S, Comber H; (2006) 'Treatment and survival for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: influence of histological subtype, age, and other factors in a population-based study (1999-2001)'. Cancer, 42 (16):2786-2793 [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'Malignant melanoma in renal transplant recipients'
Laing ME, Moloney FJ, Comber H, Conlon P, Murphy GM; (2006) 'Malignant melanoma in renal transplant recipients'. The British Journal of Dermatology, 155 (4) [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'A population-based study of skin cancer incidence and prevalence in renal transplant recipients'
Moloney FJ, Comber H, O'Lorcain P, O'Kelly P, Conlon PJ, Murphy GM; (2006) 'A population-based study of skin cancer incidence and prevalence in renal transplant recipients'. The British Journal of Dermatology, 154 (3):498-504 [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'Mortality predictions for esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer, Ireland, up to 2015'
O'Lorcain P, Deady S, Comber H; (2006) 'Mortality predictions for esophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancer, Ireland, up to 2015'. Cancer, 37 (1):15-25 [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'Influence of mammographic screening on trends in breast-conserving surgery in Ireland'
Walsh PM, McCarron P, Middleton RJ, Comber H, Gavin AT, Murray L; (2006) 'Influence of mammographic screening on trends in breast-conserving surgery in Ireland'. Cancer, 15 (2):138-148 [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'Mortality predictions for colon and anorectal cancer for Ireland, 2003-17'
O'Lorcain P, Deady S, Comber H; (2006) 'Mortality predictions for colon and anorectal cancer for Ireland, 2003-17'. Colorectal Disease, 8 (5):393-401 [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'Mortality predictions for Ireland, 2001-2015: cancers of the breast, ovary, and cervix and Corpus uteri'
O'Lorcain P, Comber H; (2006) 'Mortality predictions for Ireland, 2001-2015: cancers of the breast, ovary, and cervix and Corpus uteri'. Cancer, 16 Suppl 1 :1-10 [DOI] [Details]
(2006)'The role of immunosuppression in the pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma'
Moloney FJ, Comber H, Conlon PJ, Murphy GM; (2006) 'The role of immunosuppression in the pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma'. The British Journal of Dermatology, 154 (4):790-791 [DOI] [Details]
(2005)'Delays in treatment in the cancer services: impact on cancer stage and survival'
Comber H, Cronin DP, Deady S, Lorcain PO, Riordan P; (2005) 'Delays in treatment in the cancer services: impact on cancer stage and survival'. Irish Medical Journal, 98 (8):238-239 [Details]
(2004)'Recent trends in cervical cancer mortality in Britain and Ireland: the case for population-based cervical cancer screening'
Comber H, Gavin A; (2004) 'Recent trends in cervical cancer mortality in Britain and Ireland: the case for population-based cervical cancer screening'. Cancer, 91 (11):1902-1904 [DOI] [Details]
(2004)'Lung cancer mortality predictions for Ireland 2001-2015 and current trends in North Western Europe'
O'Lorcain P, Comber H; (2004) 'Lung cancer mortality predictions for Ireland 2001-2015 and current trends in North Western Europe'. Cancer, 46 (2):157-163 [DOI] [Details]
(2003)'Patterns of initial management of lung cancer in the Republic of Ireland: a population-based observational study'
Mahmud SM, Reilly M, Comber H; (2003) 'Patterns of initial management of lung cancer in the Republic of Ireland: a population-based observational study'. Cancer, 41 (1):57-64 [Details]
(2003)'Pleural mesothelioma incidence in Europe: evidence of some deceleration in the increasing trends'
Montanaro F, Bray F, Gennaro V, Merler E, Tyczynski JE, Parkin DM, Strnad M, Jechov'a M, Storm HH, Aareleid T, Hakulinen T, Velten M, Lef'evre H, Danzon A, Buemi A, Daur'es JP, Ménégoz F, Raverdy N, Sauvage M, Ziegler H, Comber H, Paci E, Vercelli M, De Lisi V, Tumino R, Zanetti R, Berrino F, Stanta G, Langmark F, Rachtan J, Mezyk R, Blaszczyk J, Ivan P, Primic-Zakelj M, Martínez AC, Izarzugaza I, Borràs J, Garcia CM, Garau I, Sánchez NC, Aicua A, Barlow L, Torhorst J, Bouchardy C, Levi F, Fisch T, Probst N, Visser O, Quinn M, Gavin A, Brewster D, Mikov M; (2003) 'Pleural mesothelioma incidence in Europe: evidence of some deceleration in the increasing trends'. Cancer, 14 (8):791-803 [Details]
(2001)'Observational studies for intervention assessment'
Comber H, Perry IJ.; (2001) 'Observational studies for intervention assessment'. Lancet, 357 (9274):2141-2142 [Details]
(1999)'Mortality from breast cancer in Ireland prior to the introduction of population-based mammographic screening'
Codd MB, Buttimer J, Comber H, Stack J, Gorey TF; (1999) 'Mortality from breast cancer in Ireland prior to the introduction of population-based mammographic screening'. Irish Journal of Medical Science, 168 (2):87-92 [Details]
(1999)'Some patients with colorectal cancer may have been missed by Northern Ireland registry'
Comber H; (1999) 'Some patients with colorectal cancer may have been missed by Northern Ireland registry'. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 319 (7206) [Details]
(1997)'Cancer in Ireland, 1994'
Comber H; (1997) 'Cancer in Ireland, 1994'. Irish Medical Journal, 90 (5) [Details]
(1994)'The Irish National Cancer Registry'
Comber H; (1994) 'The Irish National Cancer Registry'. Irish Medical Journal, 87 (5) [Details]
(1993)'A randomized, double-blind, multi-centre, parallel-group study comparing the tolerability and efficacy of moclobemide and dothiepin hydrochloride in depressed patients in general practice'
Beaumont G, Gringras M, Hobbs FD, Drury VW, Freeling P, Tylee A, Shanley DF, Comber H, Little S, Hill S; (1993) 'A randomized, double-blind, multi-centre, parallel-group study comparing the tolerability and efficacy of moclobemide and dothiepin hydrochloride in depressed patients in general practice'. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 7 (3-4):159-165 [Details]
(1984)'CONSULTATION RATES IN A GROUP OF WEST CORK GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS'
COMBER, H,SHANNON, W,BOLAND, M; (1984) 'CONSULTATION RATES IN A GROUP OF WEST CORK GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS'. Rna-A Publication of The Rna Society, 77 :294-296 [Details]
(1984)'Psychotropic drug prescribing in Irish general practice: a study in peer-group continuing education'
Comber H, Shannon W, Boland M; (1984) 'Psychotropic drug prescribing in Irish general practice: a study in peer-group continuing education'. Irish Medical Journal, 77 (5):147-150 [Details]

Published Reports

 YearPublication
(2009)Cancer in Ireland 1994-2004: A comprehensive report.
Donnelly, D. W., A. T. Gavin, and H. Comber (2009) Cancer in Ireland 1994-2004: A comprehensive report. Northern Ireland Cancer Registry/National Cancer Registry, Ireland. [Details]
(2001)All-Ireland cancer statistics 1994-96 A joint report on incidence and mortality for the island of Ireland.
Walsh P M., Comber ,Gavin AT (2001) All-Ireland cancer statistics 1994-96 A joint report on incidence and mortality for the island of Ireland. National Cancer Registry Board, Northern Ireland Cancer Register, Cork and Belfast. [Details]
(2004)Patterns of care and survival from cancer in Ireland 1994 to 1998.
NicAmhlaoibh, Roisin, Salah Mahmud, and Harry Comber (2004) Patterns of care and survival from cancer in Ireland 1994 to 1998. National Cancer Registry, Ireland. [Details]
(2004)Cancer In Ireland 1994-2004; A Summary Report.
David Donnelly, Anna T Gavin, Harry Comber (2004) Cancer In Ireland 1994-2004; A Summary Report. Northern Ireland Cancer Registry; National Cancer Registry, Cork.   [Details]
(2004)All-Ireland Cancer Statistics 1998-2000: Second Report.
Campo, Joe, Harry Comber, and Anna T. Gavin (2004) All-Ireland Cancer Statistics 1998-2000: Second Report. National Cancer Registry, Ireland. [Details]

Book Reviews

 YearPublication
(2010)Radical prostatectomy versus watchful waiting for prostate cancer.
Hegarty, J,Beirne, PV,Walsh, E,Comber, H,Fitzgerald, T,Kazer, MW (2010) Radical prostatectomy versus watchful waiting for prostate cancer. Book Reviews [DOI] [Details]

Other

 YearPublication
(2001)Observational studies for intervention assessment.
Comber, H,Perry, IJ (2001) Observational studies for intervention assessment. Other [Details]

Published Letters

 YearPublication
(2013)Reply: cost-effectiveness of population-based screening for colorectal cancer.
Sharp, L,Walsh, C,Whyte, S,Tilson, L,O'Ceilleachair, A,Usher, C,Tappenden, P,Chilcott, J,Staines, A,Barry, M,Comber, H (2013) Reply: cost-effectiveness of population-based screening for colorectal cancer. Published Letters [DOI] [Details]

Professional Activities

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Royal College of General Practitioners Member02-JAN-84 /
Irish College of General Practitioners Member02-JAN-84 /
International Association of Cancer Registries Honorary lifetime member/

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2014)10th Annual Cochrane in Ireland Conference,
O'Mahony M, Comber H, Fitzgerald T, Corrigan M, Fitzgerald E, Grunfeld EA, Hegarty J. (2014) Interventions for breast cancer awareness in women :Proposed Cochrane Protocol. [Poster Presentation], 10th Annual Cochrane in Ireland Conference, School of Nursing &Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin . [Details]
(2010)7th Health Technology Assessment International conference,
Sharp L, Tilson L, Whyte S, Ó Ceilleachair A, Walsh C, Usher C, Tappenden P, Chilcott J, Staines A, Comber H, Barry M (2010) Modelling resource use and health outcomes as an aid to decision making between multiple cost-effective interventions: The example of colorectal cancer screening in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], 7th Health Technology Assessment International conference, Dublin , 06-JUN-10 - 09-JUN-10. [Details]
(2010)Irish Society of Gastroenterologists Winter 2010 meeting,
Ó Céilleachair A, Skally M, Hanly P, Staines A, Kapur K, Fitzpatrick P, Comber H, Sharp (2010) Health-related quality-of-life up to three years post-diagnosis amongst people with colorectal cancer in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Gastroenterologists Winter 2010 meeting, Trim , 25-NOV-10 - 26-NOV-10. [Details]
(2010)Health Economists’ Study Group Summer 2010 conference,
Sharp L, Tilson L, Whyte S, O Ceilleachair A, Walsh C, Usher C, Tappenden P, Chilcott J, Staines A, Barry M, Comber H (2010) Cost-effectiveness of population-based screening for colorectal cancer: a comparison of guaiac-based faecal occult blood testing, faecal immunochemical testing and flexible sigmoidoscopy. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Health Economists’ Study Group Summer 2010 conference, Cork , 23-JUN-10 - 25-JUN-10. [Details]
(2009)1st all-Ireland conference on population-based cancer research,
Sharp L, Tilson L, Whyte S, Ó Céilleachair A, Walsh C, Usher C, Tappenden P, Chilcott J, Staines A, Barry M & Comber H (2009) Evaluating options for a colorectal cancer screening programme in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], 1st all-Ireland conference on population-based cancer research, Dublin , 02-SEP-10 - 02-SEP-10. [Details]
(2008)Society for Social Medicine,
Timmons A, Ó Céilleachair A, Finn C, Staines A, Comber H, Sharp L. (2008) The financial cost and economic impact of cancer on patients and their families. A qualitative study. [Oral Presentation], Society for Social Medicine, Southampton , 17-SEP-08 - 19-SEP-08. [Details]
(2008)All-Ireland Cancer Conference,
Fitzgerald AP; (2008) All-Ireland Cancer Conference. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], All-Ireland Cancer Conference, Dublin, Ireland , 01-DEC-08 - 01-DEC-08. [Details]
(2007)Welsh Health Economists’ Group, Winter Meeting,
Ó Céilleachair A, Sharp L, Carsin A-E, Staines A, Kapur K, Harmon C, Fitzpatrick P, Comber H & Redmond P (2007) The economic impact of cancer in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Welsh Health Economists’ Group, Winter Meeting, Beaumarris , 15-NOV-07 - 16-NOV-07. [Details]
(2003)All-Ireland Cancer Conference,
Fitzgerald AP; (2003) All-Ireland Cancer Conference. [Conference Organising Committee Member], All-Ireland Cancer Conference, Cork, Ireland , 01-SEP-03 - 01-SEP-03. [Details]

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
Review of Descriptive Epidemiology Group /
Grant reviews /
Grant reviews /
Member (current Chair) /
European network of Cancer Registries Deputy chair/

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health University College Cork Senior lecturer01-JAN-98 /
National Cancer Registry Director01-JAN-92 / 27-JUN-14
self-employed, Camden Quay, Cork. General practitioner01-JAN-84 / 01-JAN-92
Various Non-consultant hospital doctor01-JAN-80 / 01-JAN-84
National Cancer Registry Interim Director04-AUG-14 /
Cork GP Training Programme Programme Director01-JAN-86 / 27-DEC-91
Cork GP Training Programme Assistant Programme Director06-JAN-98 /

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
1970University College Cork BSC CHEMISTRYChemistry
1974University of London PhDBiochemistry
1978University College Cork MB BCH BAOUnknown

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
East-West Interconnector (Department of Communications, Energy and Natural resources)
Member of Expert Group

Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
Irish Medical Journal Referee01-JAN-03 - 01-JAN-08
British Medical Journal Referee01-JAN-03 - 01-JAN-08
International Journal Of Cancer Referee01-JAN-03 - 01-JAN-08
Biomed Central Health Service Research Referee01-JAN-06 - 01-JAN-08
Gut Referee01-JAN-07 - 31-DEC-07

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

Harry Comber's main teaching interest is in the area of Health Services Research

Contact details

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School of Public Health

Scoil na Sláinte Poiblí

4th Floor, Western Gateway Building, Western Road,

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