Lung cancer has been identified as the leading cause of cancer deaths in the Channel Islands, according to a report by the NHS’s National Disease Registration Service (NDRS) and local public health services.
While lung, upper gastrointestinal, and colorectal cancers are the deadliest, skin cancer remains the most common type in the islands, occurring more frequently than on the mainland due to UV exposure.
The report highlighted variations in cancer rates between the islands and England. Prostate cancer, for example, has a higher mortality rate in Guernsey than Jersey. Smoking, which causes over 85% of lung cancer deaths, remains a key target for prevention efforts. Both islands have introduced smoking restrictions, with Jersey implementing a car smoking ban in 2015 and Guernsey following suit recently.
Health professionals emphasised the importance of early detection and prevention measures, such as sun protection and cancer screenings, to improve outcomes. The study is part of a broader effort to update cancer data, with a final report expected by 2025.