People living in the poorest parts of the country are diagnosed with lung cancer at twice the rate of those in the most affluent areas, the most comprehensive study of lung cancer diagnosis in England ever conducted has revealed.

The Oxford University study analysed health records of more than 17.5 million people and more than 84,000 lung cancer cases.

It found, among those who developed lung cancer, people from deprived areas had a 35 per cent higher risk of being diagnosed with more aggressive forms of the disease.

The study also revealed significant disparities between ethnic groups, with Bangladeshi men found to have the highest rates of lung cancer.

Researchers from Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences found clear evidence different ethnic groups show distinct patterns of lung cancer types.

Professor Julia Hippisley-Cox, senior author of the study, said: "This research provides the strongest evidence yet of how your ethnic background and social circumstances affect both your risk of developing lung cancer and the type of cancer you may develop."

The study also found women and people from Indian, Caribbean, Black African, Chinese, and other Asian backgrounds were twice as likely to be diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, one of the most common types of lung cancer.

Dr Daniel Tzu-Hsuan Chen, who led the research, said: "For the first time, we can see clear patterns in how lung cancer affects different communities across England.

"This isn't just about smoking - our research shows that ethnic background and social circumstances play crucial roles in both cancer risk and how the disease develops."

The findings come as the NHS rolls out its Targeted Lung Health Check Programme across England.

This screening initiative focuses on areas with high lung cancer rates and social deprivation, aiming to detect cancer earlier - when it is more treatable.

Researchers said the new study could help to ensure these health checks reach those most at risk and are tailored to different community needs.

Early detection through targeted screening could significantly reduce treatment costs for the NHS, as late-stage cancer care is considerably more expensive, and catching cancer earlier could also save thousands of lives each year.

Professor Hippisley-Cox said: "We need to ensure our cancer services are reaching all communities effectively and that everyone has the same opportunity for early diagnosis, regardless of their background or where they live.

"But tackling these disparities isn't just about lung cancer, when we address these fundamental inequalities in healthcare access and social deprivation, we can improve health outcomes across many conditions.

"This research helps make the case for wider action on health inequalities."