Those at risk
Risk factors for lung cancer include:
- Smoking
- Air pollution
- Occupational exposure to chemicals
- Age
- Family history
Given this risk factor profile, it is estimated that up to 80% of all lung cancer cases are preventable. The National Lung Health Check Screening programme will only be available to those who are deemed to be at risk due to a history of smoking. However, we also know that people with the highest socio-economic deprivation are the most likely to develop lung cancer, and the least likely to survive. In England, the incidence of lung cancer is 174% higher in women and 168% higher in men in the most deprived quintile compared with the least. Additionally, when looking at other cancer screening programmes, we know that lower socio-economic status is associated with lower screening uptake. Therefore, those living in some of our more deprived communities are at higher risk of developing lung cancer, but also at a higher risk of not taking up screening offers.