Thousands of cancer deaths each year linked to health inequality, charity says

A charity has said action is “urgently needed” to address health inequalities, as figures show cancer death rates in the most deprived areas of Scotland are 80% higher than in the least deprived.

The figures, in a report published by Cancer Research UK (CRUK), indicate there are around 4,300 extra cancer deaths in Scotland each year linked to socioeconomic inequality.

The charity said this equates to 12 additional deaths each day, and around a quarter of all deaths from cancer.

It said “almost half” of the extra deaths are caused by lung cancer, where the death rate in the most deprived areas is “almost three-and-a half times” that of the least deprived.

It also pointed out that smoking rates in the most deprived areas are four times higher than in the least deprived.

In all, the charity said more than a 10th of all cancer diagnoses in Scotland are linked to deprivation, and many of these are caused by preventable risk factors such as smoking.

Dr Sorcha Hume, CRUK’s public affairs manager in Scotland, said action is needed to prevent these “avoidable” deaths.

“Where you live shouldn’t increase your risk of dying from this devastating disease,” she said.

“These figures are shocking and unacceptable and crucially many of these cancer deaths are avoidable.

“With almost half of the additional deaths being caused by lung cancer, it’s clear that action on smoking is needed urgently.

“Smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, a disease that is often diagnosed late when treatment options are more limited.

“One of the ways we can prevent lung cancer is to deter people from ever taking up smoking in the first place.”

The charity said the upcoming vote on legislation that will ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1 2009 is a “vital opportunity” to address the problem.

Dr Hume added: “If MSPs vote in support of the age of sale legislation in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, it could be one of the most impactful public health interventions in living memory, helping people to live longer, better lives, no matter where they live in Scotland.”

CRUK also called for a lung cancer screening programme in Scotland, saying this would lead to the early diagnosis of 400 cases of the disease each year.

Dr Hume explained: “Lung screening matters because it means more people can be diagnosed at an earlier stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

“Research has consistently shown that lung screening is effective at reducing deaths from cancer, so it’s essential a Scotland-wide programme is introduced here as soon as possible.”

The UK National Screening Committee has recommended all UK nations move towards implementing a national lung cancer screening programme to target those considered to be of high risk of developing lung cancer – people aged between 55 and 74 who either smoke or used to smoke.

CRUK said a targeted lung screening programme is being introduced in England, but no such commitment has been made by the Scottish Government.

Public Health Secretary Jenni Minto said: “Socioeconomic inequalities lead to health inequalities and this is why our public health efforts are complemented by wide-ranging action across the Scottish Government.

“Our 10-year cancer strategy focuses on preventing more cancers, investing in research and innovation and providing equitable access to treatment.

“Smoking causes huge harms to individuals, their families and loved ones and has wider impacts on the NHS and society.

“It is a major contributor to health inequalities – which is why our shared goal with other UK nations through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is to eradicate tobacco use.”