3.4 Small geographic area characteristics and cancer risk

Figure 3.2 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of non-melanoma skin cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: males

Males

In NI the risk of NMSC was 13% lower than in RoI. This difference increased to 19% when population density and area-based socio-economic factors were taken into account (Figure 3.2).

The most densely populated areas had a significantly higher risk of NMSC among men than the least densely populated areas (RR=1.13, 95%CI=1.10-1.17).

The relationship to unemployment, however, was the reverse of that for population density, with men resident in areas of highest unemployment having a reduced risk of NMSC. This relationship was even stronger with lower educational attainment; men resident in areas with a high proportion of residents not educated to degree level had a 21% lower risk of NMSC than men resident in areas with a high proportion of residents who were educated to degree level.

Men resident in areas with 30.7-42.5% of elderly people living alone (3^rd and 4^th quintiles) had a higher risk of NMSC.

Figure 3.3 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of non-melanoma skin cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: females

Females

As with men, the risk of NMSC varies with country, with NI having a 23% lower risk of NMSC, compared to RoI, once age, population density and socio-economic factors were adjusted for (Figure 3.3).

The relationship to population density was stronger for women than men (RR=1.23, 95%CI=1.19-1.27), however unlike men, there was no relationship between female NMSC and unemployment.

Women living in areas of poorer educational attainment had a reduced risk of NMSC, while those living in areas with high levels of elderly living alone had an increased risk.