Geographical Disparities in Lung Cancer in Canada: A Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates are notably higher in Canada's eastern provinces compared to western regions.
• Established lung cancer risk factors are known, but provincial and territorial trends remain unclear.
• Socio-economic and environmental factors significantly influence lung cancer disparities across Canadian provinces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze potential contributors to healthcare inequality in lung cancer.
• To guide policymakers in developing strategic and sustainable provincial-level approaches.
• To address the research gap concerning factors amplifying geographical disparities in lung cancer.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing studies on lung cancer prevalence and mortality in Canada.
• Analysis of socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to geographical disparities.
• Identification of provincial and territorial trends in lung cancer incidence and mortality.

Main Results:

• Eastern Canadian provinces exhibit higher lung cancer prevalence and mortality rates.
• Socio-economic and environmental factors are key drivers of these geographical disparities.
• A significant research gap exists in systematically understanding the amplification of these disparities.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare inequality contributes to lung cancer disparities between eastern and western Canada.
• Further research is crucial to comprehensively understand and mitigate geographical discrepancies.
• Evidence-based strategies are needed for provincial-level lung cancer control and prevention.