Estimating attributable fraction of lung cancer linked to smoking in Morocco

ABSTRACT

The objective of this research was to estimate the attributable fraction [AF] of lung cancer linked to smoking in Morocco. The estimation was based on the SAMMEC [Adult Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Morbidity and Economic Costs] method based on the Levin formula to calculate AF linked to tobacco. Data about frequencies, association measures and relative risks were taken from available sources. The AF of lung cancer linked to smoking was about 87%, and around 3049 cases of this cancer in men could be avoided if tobacco use could be prevented. About a 10% reduction in smoking prevalence would result in a reduction of 346 lung cancer cases. Our study provides additional important elements for further advocacy to policy-makers to implement a tobacco control strategy based on a prevention policy in line with the epidemiological situation which could avoid a huge burden on the country