Lung cancer mortality rate falling in the EU – but quitting still key

Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer deaths in EU countries, and yet in almost all age groups there are falling mortality rates. Is an anti-tobacco policy paying off? Rome (dpa) – The mortality rate for lung cancer continues to decline in the European Union (EU) among both women and men, with quitting smoking still seen as a key factor in improving survival rates, scientists say. "Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in both sexes in the EU," says Carlo La Vecchia, who heads a Milan University research group. While the mortality rate among men has been falling since around 1990, it continued to rise among women until the 2010s, albeit at a significantly lower level than among men. Among lung cancer sufferers, there will be 23 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants for men and 12 for women in the year ahead, according to an age-adjusted forecast by the research team. But senior citizens are an exception There is one exception to the decline in mortality rates: for women aged 75 and over. For this group, the mortality rate rises to 151, an increase of 19% compared to 2015 to 2019. The trend is similar in other EU countries. That is due to people's smoking habits, says the research team. While men start smoking earlier than women, they also quit earlier. Smoking is a key factor in cancer mortality, the findings show, says La Vecchia in a statement from the European Society for Medical Oncology, which publishes the journal. "Reducing tobacco consumption remains the cornerstone of lung cancer prevention and also plays a role in the prevention of other cancers, such as pancreatic cancer." Healthier diets and medical advances are also boosting survival rates. Outlook best for the young The largest decline compared to the reference period for the 25 to 44 age group, namely more than 40% with low overall case numbers, the scientists say in the journal Annals of Oncology, where the study can be found. "Our previous cancer mortality forecasts for Europe have proven to be reliable," say the authors. This is their 16th prediction of cancer mortality rates in the current year for numerous European countries. They forecast the rates based on data from the World Health Organization and the United Nations from 1970 to 2022 to determine values for 2026, using computer models. Positive developments for other types of cancer too With a few exceptions, the declining figures also apply to other types of cancer. Taking all types of cancer together, the researchers predict a mortality rate of 114 per 100,000 men in the EU in 2026, which would be a decline of just under 8% compared to the period from 2020 to 2022. For women, the mortality rate in 2026 will be 75 per 100,000, a decline of 6%. One exception is pancreatic cancer in women, where the mortality rate has risen by 1% compared to 2020 to 2022; the rate is now 6 per 100,000. While mortality rates are falling, the absolute number of cases has risen due to the ageing population. When to see a doctor If you have concerns about your lung health, Britain's National Health Service has this advice for when to see a doctor, namely if you have: A cough that lasts for more than three weeks. A cough that changes or a cough you've had for a long time that gets worse. Chest pains that persist. Shortness of breath. Coughing up blood. Ongoing chest infections. Unexplained weight loss or tiredness. Apps may help you kick the habit Smokers trying to quit may find apps beneficial, according to a recent study. Researchers say apps designed to help smoking cessation are particularly effective when used alongside medicines to help you stop. But even when used as a single tool they can be effective as a quit aid, say Chinese researchers who pooled the information from 31 studies involving 12,800 people. They found that smartphone apps used alone may improve the odds of a person quitting for six months compared with no or minimal support. The rates were even better when people used apps and traditional interventions and medicines. What governments can do "Increasing tobacco taxes, implementing advertising bans, creating smoke-free environments and providing support for smoking cessation," will further slash cancer mortality rates, say the authors of the latest study. These will help reduce "regional and socioeconomic disparities and achieve a sustainable reduction in cancer mortality across Europe." Combating obesity, improving dietary habits, controlling alcohol consumption and expanding and improving the population screening for early detection of cervical, breast and colorectal cancer are still key strategies in cancer prevention, they say. The following information is not intended for publication dpa fm zlw swe xxde arw coh

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