Socio-economic class differences in cancer incidence in Cali, Colombia

Based on census tract information, cancer incidence rates for three socio-economic strata of the city of Cali, Colombia, were calculated. Strong negative associations with socio-economic status were found for cancers of the cervix and stomach. Colon cancer and endocrine-related cancers were positively associated with socio-economic status, while no such association was found for rectal cancer. Contrary to data from developed countries, all smoking-related cancers were positively associated with socio-economic class. The role of socio-economic gradients in developing countries is stressed as a basis for etiological research.