German study: Social status apparently determines cancer risk

Socioeconomic status influences the risk of cancer, at least that is the conclusion of a German research team. In a study, districts in eight states were examined for their socioeconomic status and compared to the number of new cancer cases.

Depending on their socio-economic status, the neighborhoods were divided into five quintiles, that is, five categories, each with the same number of units. Factors such as income, labor participation, education, environment and safety are important in the calculation of this status. The highest category is mainly present in Bavaria, while the worst quintile (Q5) is found in Saarland and the rest of southwestern Germany. The new Länder (formerly the GDR) as well as Baden-Württemberg and Hesse were not part of the study due to a lack of complete data.

The new cancer cases in the districts were then divided among the respective quintiles and compared with each other.

First the good news: the number of new cancer cases fell in all quintiles. However, the decline is not the same everywhere: the best-performing quintile has the lowest number of cancer cases. This number then decreases with each socio-economic category – and more and more over time: Although the development was already observed in 2007, in 2018 the differences between the socio-economic classes actually increased again.

In 2007, the difference between the best and lowest quintile in the total number of new cancer cases was 6 percent, in 2018 the difference was 22 percent.

The differences between the various socio-economic classes are greatest for lung cancer: already in 2007 there were an average of 44 percent more cases of lung cancer in the socially disadvantaged regions. This number almost doubled in 2018, when it was 84 percent.

Contrary to what might be expected, the study authors say the reason for the differences is not medical undersupply. There are just as many doctors and medical facilities in the socially weaker regions as in the better regions. According to the research, other factors such as lack of exercise, poor diet and the greater tendency of the socially disadvantaged population to smoke are much more decisive.

The problem is therefore the lack of information and awareness on the subject of cancer. For this reason, the study authors advocate for interventions that promote a healthier lifestyle. In general, they also advocate better implementation of regular screenings for all population groups.

(ears)