Effect of childhood socioeconomic conditions on cancer onset in later life: an ambidirectional cohort study

Bernadette W. A. van der Linden (), Delphine S. Courvoisier, Boris Cheval, Stefan Sieber, Piet Bracke, Idris Guessous, Claudine Burton-Jeangros, Matthias Kliegel and Stéphane Cullati
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Bernadette W. A. van der Linden: University of Geneva
Delphine S. Courvoisier: University of Geneva
Boris Cheval: University of Geneva
Stefan Sieber: University of Geneva
Piet Bracke: Ghent University
Idris Guessous: Geneva University Hospitals
Claudine Burton-Jeangros: University of Geneva
Matthias Kliegel: University of Geneva
Stéphane Cullati: University of Geneva

International Journal of Public Health, 2018, vol. 63, issue 7, No 4, 799-810

Abstract: Abstract Objectives Living in low socioeconomic conditions during childhood is associated with poor health outcomes in later life. Whether this link also applies to cancer is unclear. We examined whether childhood socioeconomic conditions (CSCs) are associated with cancer risk in later life and whether this effect remained after adjusting for adulthood socioeconomic conditions (ASCs). Methods Data for 26,431 individuals ≥ 50 years old included in SHARE were analysed. CSCs were constructed by using indicators of living conditions at age 10. ASC indicators were education, main occupation, and household income. Gender-stratified associations of CSCs with cancer onset (overall and by site) were assessed by Cox regression. Results In total, 2852 individuals were diagnosed with cancer. For both men and women, risk of overall cancer was increased for advantaged CSCs and remained so after adjusting for ASCs (hazard ratio = 1.36, 95% CI 1.10, 1.63, and 1.70, 95% CI 1.41, 2.07). Conclusions Advantaged CSCs are associated with an increased risk of overall cancer at older age, but results vary by cancer sites and sex. Participation in cancer screening or exposure to risk factors may differ by social conditions.

Keywords: Cancer; Socioeconomic conditions; Life course; Old age; Ageing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1111-9

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