 Thousands are diagnosed with lung cancer each year |
Bristol has the highest number of lung cancer deaths in the south west attributable to smoking, according to a new report. Figures issued by South West Public Health reveal the area has the highest figure in the region for premature deaths in men aged 35-69, from lung cancer which is likely to be linked to smoking.
Some 91% of lung cancer deaths in men are blamed on smoking, while for women the figure is 80%.
One doctor said the high figure might be a direct result of Imperial Tobacco's decision to offer 40 free cigarettes a week to its employees in the city until production ended in the 1980s.
Dr Julia Verne of South West Public Health said: "A proportion of these lung cancer deaths may well be attributable to that.
"But we also see high rates of death due to lung cancer in all inner city areas and we need a comprehensive programme to try and help people give up smoking."
A spokesman for Imperial Tobacco said the company would not comment on what it took to be speculation.
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