Method: We linked data from the Scottish Longitudinal Study and Scottish Cancer Registry to follow 203 658 cohort members aged 15+ years from 1991-2006. Relative risks (RR) were calculated using minimally and fully adjusted Poisson regression models by sex offset for person-years of follow-up. Education and area deprivation interactions were tested.
Result: 21 832 first primary tumours (including 3 505 lung, 1 206 UADT) were diagnosed during 3.05 million person-years of follow-up. Risks increased for economically inactive (versus active) individuals (male: 1.14 CI 1.10 to 1.18; female: 1.06, CI 1.02 to 1.11). For lung cancer, area deprivation remained significant after adjustment for all other variables suggesting area effect cannot be fully explained by individual variables. No or non degree qualification (versus degree) increased lung risk; likewise for UADT risk (females only). Occupational social class associations were most pronounced and elevated for UADT risk. No car access (versus ownership) increased risk (excluding all cancer risk, males). Renting (versus home ownership) increased lung cancer risk, UADT risk (males only) and all cancer risk (females only). Risk was elevated for those with no education living in deprived areas.
Conclusion: Different and independent socioeconomic variables are associated with different cancer risks in different sexes; no one socioeconomic variable captures all. Identified differences may assist in informing and targeting prevention and detection strategies.