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Ending smoking in England would have the biggest impact on closing the ‘cancer inequality gap’ between the most affluent individuals and the rest of the country, according to new analysis from Cancer Research UK.
The study published in PLOS ONE found that smoking-related cancer factors in England are 2.2 times larger in the most deprived groups compared to the least deprived groups.
If everyone had the same smoking prevalence as the least deprived group, 20% of the deprivation gap in cancer incidence could have been prevented. If nobody smoked, 61% of the deprivation gap could have been prevented.
This is the equivalent of around 27,200 deprivation-linked cancer cases per year, down to around 16,500 each year.
Bold action on tobacco control needed
Previous research has found that smoking is the single biggest driver of difference in life expectancy between the richest and poorest in England because rates of smoking are higher amongst people from deprived communities and are falling more slowly.
This is despite UK governments setting out targets to reduce the number of people who smoke, known as ‘smoke free’ targets (defined as less than 5% of the adult population smoking).
Cancer Research UK has estimated that the government is seven years behind its commitment for England to become smoke free by 2030. And this figure is almost double that for the most deprived communities
It is now calling for timely action to prevent thousands of cancers, save lives and help close the cancer inequality gap. The charity is also concerned that amidst the current cost of living crisis, smoking will continue to pull those who can least afford it further into financial hardship.
Millions of lives are in this government’s hands, said Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK. It must implement a Smokefree Fund, making tobacco companies foot the bill without any influence on how the money is spent to help people who currently smoke stop and stop young people from ever starting.
It’s time the tobacco industry, not the taxpayer, pays for the harm it causes to our nation’s health, and our health service. Bold action on tobacco control will have a significant impact on relieving an NHS buckling under immense pressure.