Cancer in France: Late diagnoses and severe forms among lower-income populations

A study by the Drees published in June 2026 reveals that cancer affects lower-income people in France more severely. The poorest 10% develop nearly twice as many lung cancers as the wealthiest 10%, notably due to greater exposure to tobacco and alcohol. Lower-income populations also have less access to early screening and often receive later diagnoses, which reduces their chances of recovery. Conversely, wealthier populations are more affected by breast or prostate cancers, forms that are generally more treatable if detected early.