Channel Islands Report Identifies Lung Cancer as Primary Cause of Cancer Fatalities

A recent NHS report indicates that lung cancer has been responsible for more deaths in the Channel Islands than any other cancer type. The National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), an entity within NHS England, determined that lung, upper gastrointestinal, and colorectal cancers accounted for the highest number of fatalities on the islands up to 2020. The report, which was jointly released with the public health services of both islands, additionally revealed that skin cancer remains the most prevalent cancer in the region, affecting more individuals there than on the UK mainland. Dr Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, the oncology lead at Jersey’s Health and Community Services (HCS), commented that the report signifies the “ongoing commitment to understanding and addressing cancer at all levels”. While lung cancer caused the highest number of deaths across both islands, prostate cancer showed a slightly elevated mortality rate in Guernsey when adjusted for age, and ranked as the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer in Jersey. According to the report, the likelihood of developing lung cancer on the islands was higher than in the South West of England, though these figures were approximately consistent with the overall England average. Overall cancer rates in Guernsey and Jersey were largely comparable to those in England and the South West; however, specific differences were noted for individual cancer types. Jenny Cataroche, Guernsey’s head of public health intelligence, stated that the islands could “draw reassurance” from the presented data. Beyond skin cancers, head and neck cancers were found to be more common in both islands compared to England. Conversely, breast cancer rates were higher in Jersey than in England. Uterus cancer was less common in Guernsey than in England and the South West, and leukaemia rates were lower in Jersey compared to the mainland. Cancer Research UK states that smoking is responsible for over 85% of lung cancer deaths. Guernsey recently implemented a ban on smoking in vehicles carrying children, with further proposals such as a ban on beach smoking or an increase in the smoking age being considered. Jersey has had a similar ban on smoking in cars since 2015 and prohibited branding on cigarettes in 2022. A spokesperson for Jersey’s Public Health attributed the island’s elevated skin cancer rates primarily to “UV exposure through sunlight or sun beds”. Diane Mathews, from Guernsey’s Public Health Services, emphasized: “That’s why it is so important for islanders to enjoy the sun safely.” She advised that cancer prevention is achievable by covering up, applying sun cream, and avoiding sun exposure between 11:00 and 15:00 on sunny days. Ms Mathews also highlighted the critical role of early detection, advising individuals to be aware of “what is normal” for their skin and to consult a doctor if any changes occur. This document is the second in a series of catch-up reports designed to update the islands’ cancer data, with the final report anticipated in late 2025. It marks the first report to include data on the stage at which each of the four most common cancers is diagnosed, ranging from stage one (limited spread) to stage four (very wide spread). Ms Cataroche noted that this new data would assist health professionals in understanding the extent of early cancer detection on the islands. Dr Gomes Dos Santos, who also chairs Jersey’s Cancer Strategy Implementation Committee, indicated that this research would leave the islands “better equipped” to effectively address cancer. She stressed the importance of striving to “minimise risk factors wherever possible” and to enhance “screening and early detection capabilities”.