Figures published by the National Records of Scotland this week show that lung disease was Scotland’s 3rd most common cause of death last year.
The National Records of Scotland Vital Events Reference Tables for 2018 show that chronic lung diseases accounted for 7,128 deaths in Scotland last year, which represented 12.2% of all deaths in Scotland in 2018. This is an increase of 0.3% on last year’s figures.
The figures also show that lung cancer remains the most common cause of death from cancer in Scotland, with 3,980 deaths last year (6.8% of all deaths). Taken together, lung cancer and other lung diseases accounted for 19.0% of all deaths in Scotland last year, making it Scotland’s third biggest killer behind heart disease and all forms of cancer combined.
Commenting on the publication, Joseph Carter, Head of British Lung Foundation Scotland, said: “It is really sad to see lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases continue to cut lives short in Scotland. Although action has been taken to tackle smoking, deaths from lung disease have remained relatively static over the last 10 years.
“More progress is needed in diagnosing lung disease earlier. Too many people receive a lung disease diagnosis at a late stage, which limits the range of effective treatment options available.
“Earlier diagnosis and better treatment require sustained investment in respiratory care services. The Scottish Government must bring forward its respiratory care action plan at the earliest opportunity to kickstart that investment and ensure more people can live well with healthy lungs.”
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