12.4 Small geographic area characteristics and cancer risk

Figure 12.3 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of head and neck cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: males

Males

The risk of head and neck cancer among men was slightly higher in NI (Figure 12.3). However, after adjustments for population density and socio-economic factors, the risk was lower in NI than RoI (RR=0.90, 95%CI=0.84-0.97).

The risk of male head and neck cancer increased considerably with increasing population density. Men resident in areas with 1-15 p/ha had a 20% greater risk than men resident in the least densely populated areas, while men resident in the most densely populated areas had a 53% greater risk.

Similarly, the risk of head and neck cancer increased with increasing unemployment in the area of residence. In particular, men resident in the areas of highest unemployment had a 42% greater risk of head and neck cancer than those in the areas of lowest unemployment. However, lower educational attainment was not associated with head and neck cancer among men.

Areas with the highest proportion of elderly living alone had a 15% elevated risk of male head and neck cancer compared to areas with the lowest proportion. 

Figure 12.4 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of head and neck cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: females

Females

The age-adjusted risk of head and neck cancer for women in NI was 21% higher than in RoI (Figure 12.4). After adjustments for population density and socio-economic factors the risk in NI was still greater than in RoI but to a slightly lesser degree (RR=1.13, 95%CI=1.03-1.26).

The association between female head and neck cancer and population density was weaker than that for men. Compared to the least densely populated areas head and neck cancer risk was 29% greater in the most densely populated areas.

As with men, there was a positive association between head and neck cancer risk among women and unemployment. Women resident in the areas of highest unemployment had a 49% greater risk of head and neck cancer than those in the areas of least unemployment.

There was no association between female head and neck cancer and education or the proportion of elderly living alone in an area.