Cervical cancer linked to deprivation.
BBC health correspondent just filed a report linking cervical cancer to deprivation.
Cervical cancer is more common among women living in the most deprived areas of England than their affluent counterparts, research shows.
Data from the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) found diagnosis levels were twice as high in deprived areas.
Experts believe lower uptake of cervical screening in deprived areas is probably key.
It is hoped a new vaccine programme could cut cervical cancers sharply.
The NCIN analysis, based on more than 25,000 cases of cervical cancer, found that in the most deprived areas 12 women per 100,000 were diagnosed with the disease between 2000 and 2004.
In contrast, in the most affluent areas only six per 100,000 women were diagnosed in the same time period.
The most deprived areas included Newcastle and Liverpool, while the most affluent included parts of Surrey and the south coast.
Lead researcher Professor David Forman, from the University of Leeds, said: “These striking figures show there is still much more that needs to be done to tackle cancer in low-income communities.
“Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease – the national screening programme will pick up most cases before they even develop into cancer.
“Our figures suggest that women living in poorer areas are less likely to attend cervical screening than women who are better-off, so they are more likely to develop the disease.”
Professor Forman said other factors such as higher rates of smoking, and earlier onset of sexual activity might also contribute to raised cervical cancer rates in deprived areas.
You can read the full story here
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December 02 2008 10:40 am | Women Health