Respiratory disease death rates highest in western Europe

Ireland has the highest death rate from respiratory disease in western Europe, according to the Irish Thoracic Society.

The society says deaths from such illnesses surpass those from heart disease, with one-fifth of people in Ireland now dying from conditions like lung cancer and TB.

Among women, deaths from lung cancer are fast approaching those from breast cancer.

The ITS is calling for a dedicated health strategy to tackle the problem.