15.5 Mapping and geographical variation

The geographical pattern of relative risk for kidney cancer showed only modest variation, which was different for men and women (Maps 15.1-15.3).

For both sexes combined, the area of highest relative risk was mainly confined to Leinster, with lower relative risks in the western half of Ireland (Map 15.1).

For men, the relative risk was higher in a wide band across the country extending from Sligo to Wexford. The relative risks were lower in the south-west and north (Map 15.2).

For women, there were just two areas of higher relative risk, along the north coast (from Donegal in RoI to Moyle/Larne in NI) and in the area from Louth to Wicklow, while the west had lower relative risks (Map 15.3).

Map 15.1 Kidney cancer, smoothed relative risks: both sexes

Map 15.2 Kidney cancer, smoothed relative risks: males

Map 15.3 Kidney cancer, smoothed relative risks: females