Ealing MP says action needs to be taken over respiratory disease

Ealing Southall MP, Virendra Sharma, wants politicians and policy-makers to prioritise respiratory health after new data revealed more than a million people in London are living with a lung condition. .

The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the UK’s third biggest killer, is about average for the UK but within the last decade the number of Londoners living with the condition has increased by 32%.

The mortality rate from all lung diseases is lower in London than the UK average, except for tuberculosis, which is 44% higher for men and 50% higher for women.

The data also shows that since 2004, there has been a near 20% increase in the number of people living with lung cancer and that the city has the second highest number of people living with mesothelioma, for which the UK has the worst mortality rates in the world.  

Speaking after the British Lung Foundation event, Virendra Sharma MP said:

“Shockingly over one million people in London are living with a lung condition - in reality the number could be much higher. For example, it is estimated that two thirds of people with COPD are living with the condition undiagnosed. It is clear that dramatic improvements need to be made and it is time respiratory diseases were given the prioritisation they deserve.”

Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said:

“For far too long, the true burden of respiratory disease has been underestimated in this country. One person dies from lung disease every five minutes in the UK, making it the third biggest killer in the UK, yet little has been done to tackle this tragedy.

“This is unacceptable and it is high time lung disease is made a priority. If we are to halt the ever growing burden of lung disease on our country we urgently need more investment in research and more emphasis on improved prevention, earlier diagnosis and high quality services.”

20th July 2015