Lung cancer 'increasing' in Wales, latest figures show

Cutting smoking rates is key to reducing lung cancer, experts say

Lung cancer cases are rising in Wales, with the rate among women growing more quickly than among men, latest public health figures have shown.

Lung cancer is the second-most common cancer but the biggest killer, and a lung charity says more needs to be done to raise awareness and tackle smoking.

In 2008, there were 2,384 cases, a rise of 5% on 2004 figures.

The British Lung Foundation said early reporting of symptoms and more smoking cessation services were necessary.

The figures released by Wales Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit, part of Public Health Wales, showed a 10% increase in the rate of lung cancer in women between 2004 and 2008, compared to just over 1% for men.

Men still developed the disease more than women, with 1,335 cases compared to 1,049.

The rise was particularly striking in south west Wales, covering from Neath Port Talbot to Pembrokeshire as well as Powys and Ceredigion, which went up by over a third from 231 to 318.

Healthy lungs should look like this

The highest rate of the cancer is in south east Wales, with 69 men per 100,000 developing the disease and 44 per 100,000 for women.

Dr Emrys Evans, chair of the British Lung Foundation (BLF) Wales, said: "These figures show that lung cancer remains a huge problem in Wales.

"It's the second most common cancer for both men and women, and the general trend in incidence is going up. Yet lung cancer doesn't always get the attention it deserves.

"We need to encourage anyone showing symptoms - such as a troublesome cough - to get checked out straight away. Early diagnosis is absolutely crucial."

Chris Mulholland, head of the BLF, said tackling smoking was still the key to reducing lung cancer rates.

The ban on smoking in enclosed public places which was introduced in 2007, has reduced exposure to second-hand smoke and acted as a stimulus for smokers to quit Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Tony Jewell

At present, just under a quarter of adults in Wales smoke, with slightly higher levels (25%) reported in the south Wales valleys health board areas.

He called for all health boards in Wales produce an action plan for integrating smoking cessation services with lung patient care.

"Whilst there's lots of good work going on around Wales, many of our district general hospitals still don't offer a full service locally to help people stop smoking," he said.

"Giving people a leaflet on its own isn't enough.

"BLF Wales wants to see all health boards ensure that their hospitals can offer a proper "stop smoking" service to help people give up."

Respiratory illness

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, said they welcomed the BLF's efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and its link with lung cancer.

"We are determined to do all we can to educate people about the dangers of smoking so they don't start in the first place, and to provide help and support for smokers to quit," he said.

"The ban on smoking in enclosed public places which was introduced in 2007, has reduced exposure to second-hand smoke and acted as a stimulus for smokers to quit.

"This will bring benefits in terms of reduced risk of heart attacks and respiratory illnesses and, in the longer term, of cancers such as lung cancers.

"People are also reporting that they're smoking less and thinking more about quitting."