Lung cancer is one of the most fatal cancers

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in men, both worldwide and in the EU. It kills about 240,000 EU citizens yearly. Therapy options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Survival rates, although generally very low, differ significantly among EU member states, suggesting differences in stage at presentation and access to optimal treatment.

Lung cancer incidence and mortality vary considerably across the EU

Patterns of lung cancer incidence and mortality follow the patterns of smoking prevalence in the population with a delay of about 20 years. Both incidence and mortality differ by gender and vary considerably among EU member states. Differences in lung cancer incidence and mortality among countries reflect the distinctive patterns of the WHO tobacco pandemic model. In Sweden, both are relatively low and stable. They are slowly declining in some North Western EU countries, such as the UK, Finland and the Netherlands. In several of the new EU member states the incidence and mortality rates for lung cancer are among the highest in Europe and, in some cases, still rising.

Differences between sexes and among regions

In most countries the lung cancer incidence and mortality rates for men are higher than for women. This observation is linked to the smoking habit that has become popular among women decades later compared to men. The rates for men are now slowly declining, while female lung cancer incidence and mortality are increasing in many countries. Estimates based on current smoking prevalence predict that these trends will continue for some decades in spite of improved prevention efforts. Differences in income and education among EU member states and regions are consistent with differences in lung cancer incidence and mortality, highlighting the health inequalities within the EU.

Lung cancer is largely avoidable

Active or passive smoking causes approximately 90% of all lung cancers. This makes lung cancer the single largest avoidable cause of death in the EU. Apart from avoiding passive or active inhalation of tobacco smoke, there is currently little or no evidence for other effective preventive strategies, including screening and nutrition.