6.4 Small geographic area characteristics and cancer risk

Figure 6.3 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of lung cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: males

 

Males

Among men lung cancer risk was higher in NI than RoI (RR=1.11, 95%CI=1.06-1.16) (Figure 6.3). This difference disappeared when adjusted for population density and socio-economic characteristics.

There was a strong association between population density and lung cancer for men, with the risk 54% greater in high density than in low density areas.

Electoral wards and districts with the highest levels of unemployment had higher rates of male lung cancer than those with the lowest levels. The relative risk between the highest and lowest quintiles was 1.40 (95%CI=1.32-1.49).

A strong association also existed between lower educational attainment and male lung cancer. Men in areas with the poorest education levels had a 32% greater risk of lung cancer than men living in the areas with the highest level of educational attainment.

Areas with the highest proportions of elderly living alone also had an elevated risk of lung cancer among men.

Figure 6.4 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of lung cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: females

Females

Among women, lung cancer risk was higher in NI compared to RoI (RR=1.07, 95%CI=1.01-1.13) (Figure 6.4). However, adjusting for population density and socio-economic factors reversed this relationship, with risk lower in NI (RR=0.92, 95%CI=0.88-0.97).

For women the association between lung cancer and population density was greater than for men, with lung cancer risk 74% higher in high density compared to low density areas.

Lung cancer among women was higher in areas of high unemployment, lower levels of degree level education and with a high proportion of elderly living alone. The relative risk for people living in areas with the highest proportion of these indicators was 45%, 23% and 9% respectively, compared to the areas with the lowest proportion of these indicators.

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