The north of England and central Scotland suffer from higher than average rates of lung, larynx, lip, mouth and pharynx cancer, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics.
The pattern for bladder, kidney, stomach and oesophagus cancers is similar, with the highest incidence and mortality rates in areas of high socio-economic deprivation.
Deborah Arnott, director of the anti-smoking charity Ash, said: “Yet again, tobacco is shown to be the leading cause of preventable death in the UK. These shocking statistics should serve as a wake-up call for the government.”
