Differences between sexes and among regions

In most countries the lung cancer incidence and mortality rates for men are higher than for women. This observation is linked to the smoking habit that has become popular among women decades later compared to men. The rates for men are now slowly declining, while female lung cancer incidence and mortality are increasing in many countries. Estimates based on current smoking prevalence predict that these trends will continue for some decades in spite of improved prevention efforts. Differences in income and education among EU member states and regions are consistent with differences in lung cancer incidence and mortality, highlighting the health inequalities within the EU.