Cancer death rates are almost 60% higher in deprived areas of the UK, with about 28,400 cancer deaths each year associated with deprivation, according to new research from Cancer Research UK. Almost half of these deaths are due to lung cancer. The charity has called the figures 'shocking' and 'avoidable'. The research also found that people in deprived areas are more likely to be diagnosed later and have to wait longer for treatment. Improving NHS access and prevention efforts are seen as vital to addressing these inequalities.