Trends in Socioeconomic Inequalities in Breast Cancer Incidence Among Women in Canada

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in Canada. This study examines trends in socioeconomic inequalities in the incidence of breast cancer in Canada over time from 1992 to 2010.

A census division level dataset was constructed using the Canadian Cancer Registry, Canadian Census of the Population and National Household Survey. A summary measure of the Concentration index (C), which captures inequality across socioeconomic groups, was used to measure income and education inequalities in breast cancer incidence over the 19-year period.

The crude breast cancer incidence increased in Canada between 1992 and 2010. Age-standardized C values indicated no income or education inequalities in breast cancer incidence in the years from 1992 to 2004. However, the incidence was significantly concentrated among females in high income and highly educated neighbourhoods almost half the time in the 6 most recent years (2005-2010). The trend analysis indicated an increase in breast cancer incidence among females living in high income and highly educated neighbourhoods.

Breast cancer incidence in Canada was associated with increased socioeconomic status in some more recent years. Our study findings provide previously unavailable empirical evidence to inform discussions on socioeconomic inequalities in breast incidence.