Figure 16.3 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of oesophageal cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: males

Males

There was little difference between NI and RoI with regard to risk of male oesophageal cancer, either with or without adjustments for socio-economic factors and population density (Figure 16.3).

Risk of oesophageal cancer increased with increasing population density, with the most densely populated areas having a 21% increased risk compared to the least densely populated areas.

Neither education nor unemployment was associated with male oesophageal cancer overall. However, men resident in quintile 4 of the unemployment measure had a slightly (15%) elevated risk of the disease.

Oesophageal cancer risk was highest (21% above the risk for Q1) in areas with a high proportion of elderly people living alone.

Figure 16.4 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of oesophageal cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: females

Females

The risk of oesophageal cancer in women was lower in NI than in RoI (RR=0.92, 95%CI=0.84-1.00) (Figure 16.4). Adjusting for differences in socio-economic and population density characteristics in the two countries increased this difference (RR=0.86, 95%CI=0.78-0.95).

As with men, the risk of oesophageal cancer among women increased with increasing population density, with the highest density areas having a 21% increased risk compared to the lowest density areas.

There was no association between either education or unemployment overall and female oesophageal cancer. However, as for men, an increased risk was identified in areas with a high proportion of elderly people living alone.