Social class differences in lung cancer mortality: risk factor explanations using two Scottish cohort studies

ABSTRACT

The study investigated differences in lung cancer mortality risk between social classes. Methods Twenty years of mortality follow-up were analyzed in 7052 men and 8354 women from the Renfrew/Paisley general population study and 4021 working men from the Collaborative study. There is a difference in lung cancer risk between social classes, in addition to the effect of smoking. This can be explained by poor lung health, deprivation and poor socioeconomic conditions throughout life. As well as anti-smoking measures, reducing socioeconomic inequalities and targeting individuals with poor lung function for help with smoking cessation could help reduce future lung cancer incidence and mortality.(Sign-in/subscription is necessary for full-text)