11.4 Small geographic area characteristics and cancer risk

Figure 11.3 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of bladder cancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: males

 

Males

Among men the risk of bladder cancer was lower in NI than RoI (RR=0.92, 95%CI=0.87-0.97) (Figure 11.3). This difference increased when adjusted for population density and socio- economic characteristics (RR=0.83, 95%CI= 0.78-0.88).

There was a strong association between population density and bladder cancer for men, with the risk 30% higher in high density areas than in low density areas.

Wards and EDs with the highest levels of unemployment had a 10% higher risk of male bladder cancer than those with the lowest levels. There was no association between male bladder cancer and area-based education level.

There was a trend of increasing risk with higher proportions of elderly living alone. Areas with the highest levels of elderly living alone had a 19% elevated risk of bladder cancer among men, compared to areas with the lowest levels. 

Figure 11.4 Adjusted relative risks (with 95% confidence intervals) of bladdercancer by socio-economic characteristics of geographic area of residence: females

Females

Bladder cancer risk was also lower in women in NI compared to RoI (RR=0.86, 95%CI=0.79-0.93) (Figure 11.4). Adjusting for population density and socio-economic factors increased this difference (RR=0.79, 95%CI=0.72-0.87).

The association between bladder cancer and population density was similar to that for men, with a 31% higher risk in high density, compared to low density, areas.

As for men, there was no association between female bladder cancer and area-based education level. There was also no association with unemployment.

Areas with the greatest proportion of elderly living alone had an 18% higher risk than those with the lowest proportion.

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