Abstract
IntroductionUnderstanding the effects of socioeconomic status on cancer incidence and their trends over time will help inform public health interventions for cancer control. This study sought to investigate trends in socioeconomic inequalities in prostate cancer incidence among Canadian males.MethodsUsing a census division level dataset (n = 280) constructed from the Canadian Cancer Registry, Canadian Census of Population (1992, 1996, 2001, 2006) and 2011 National Household Survey, we examined the effect of socioeconomic status on prostate cancer incidence among Canadian males between 1992 and 2010. The age-adjusted concentration index was used to quantify education/income-related inequalities in prostate cancer incidence.ResultsThe crude prostate cancer incidence increased from 115 to 137 per 100 000 males in Canada from 1992 to 2010 with a peak in 2007. The rate increased significantly in all but three of four western provinces. The age-adjusted concentration index showed a higher concentration of prostate cancer diagnoses among males living in high-income neighbourhoods in Canada in particular from 1996 to 2005. In contrast, the index was higher among males living in less-educated neighbourhoods in the most recent study years (2006–2010).ConclusionsThe concentration of new prostate cancer cases among high-income populations in Canada may be explained by the rise of opportunistic screening of asymptomatic males; however, this should be studied in further detail. Since we found a higher incidence rate of prostate cancer among less-educated males in Canada in recent years, risk-benefit investigation of primary prevention and opportunistic screening for less-educated males is advised.
Highlights
Understanding the effects of socioeconomic status on cancer incidence and their trends over time will help inform public health interventions for cancer control
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer in males, and the sixth leading cause of death in males globally.[4]. It is especially prevalent amongst developed countries: in 2020, it accounted for 21% of all new cancer cases and 10% of all cancer-related deaths among Canadian males.[5]
The results suggested that while the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) PCa screening reduced the mortality rate from prostate cancer by 20% after 5–7 years of follow-up in seven European countries, the screening did not decrease the rate of death from PCa after 9 years of follow-up
Summary
Understanding the effects of socioeconomic status on cancer incidence and their trends over time will help inform public health interventions for cancer control. This study sought to investigate trends in socioeconomic inequalities in prostate cancer incidence among Canadian males. As the second leading cause of death worldwide, cancer is an important subject of public health research.[1] It is estimated that one in two Canadians will develop cancer throughout their life, and approximately one in four Canadians will die from cancer.[2,3] Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer in males, and the sixth leading cause of death in males globally.[4] It is especially prevalent amongst developed countries: in 2020, it accounted for 21% of all new cancer cases and 10% of all cancer-related deaths among Canadian males.[5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
