If you’re curious about which type of cancer you’re most likely to face, a significant factor to consider is your income. It may sound strange, but various studies reveal that a person’s risk for certain types of cancer correlates with their paychecks and their neighborhood’s affluence. Let’s look deeper into this relationship between wealth and cancer risks, as well as the reasons behind it.
The Cancer-Poverty Connection
According to a study conducted at the New York State Cancer Registry, individuals living in regions with higher poverty rates are more likely to encounter Kaposi sarcoma, laryngeal, cervical, penile, and liver cancers.
This apparent correlation between cancer and poverty might be a result of various factors, including inadequate access to healthcare, unhealthy diets, and habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, which are more common among lower-income communities. Additionally, limited education and disease awareness can lead to late cancer diagnoses and, consequently, higher mortality rates for these individuals.
The Cancer-Wealth Connection
On the other hand, the study also found that those residing in affluent neighborhoods are more likely to experience melanoma, thyroid, other non-epithelial skin, and testicular cancers.
Interestingly, this relationship between wealth and cancer incidence doesn’t necessarily imply a clear positive or negative outcome. Researcher Francis Boscoe explains, “At first glance, the effects (of economic status) seem to cancel one another out. But the cancers associated with poverty have lower incidence and higher mortality, and those associated with wealth have higher incidence and lower mortality.” This means that while poorer people are more likely to die from cancer, wealthier individuals are more likely to die with it.
Why is there a Cancer-Wealth Connection?
Now that we’ve established that there is indeed a connection between one’s income and the likelihood of encountering certain types of cancer, let’s explore the reasons behind this correlation.
1. Access to Healthcare
One important factor that affects the development and diagnosis of cancer is access to healthcare. Generally, people with higher incomes have better access to healthcare services, which include preventive measures like screenings and diagnostic tests. This could explain the higher cancer incidence rates observed among wealthier populations, as their access to healthcare services might lead to earlier detection.
By contrast, lower-income individuals often have fewer resources and opportunities to seek medical care, leading to late diagnoses and a higher risk of mortality.
2. Lifestyle and Habits
Another factor that could contribute to this connection between wealth and cancer risk is lifestyle. Wealthier people often lead healthier lifestyles, with access to gyms, nutritionists, and other wellness resources. They also may have a higher awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
However, affluence doesn’t guarantee that one will adopt a healthy lifestyle or be immune to potential carcinogens. For instance, wealthier people might have a higher risk of getting skin cancer due to their ability to participate in outdoor activities or travel to sunny locations for vacations.
On the other hand, low-income communities might face higher risks for certain types of cancer due to factors like poor diet and nutrition, lack of access to healthy food, and unhealthy habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking.
3. Environmental Factors
Lastly, the environment in which people live can play a role in determining their risk for developing cancer. Environmental factors might include exposure to air pollution, pesticides, and other carcinogens.
For example, lower-income communities are often located near industrial areas, highways, and other sources of pollution. Higher exposure to pollution in these areas might elevate the risk of lung and other types of cancers among the residents.
Bringing it Together
In conclusion, the relationship between one’s income and their risk for developing certain types of cancer is a complex one, influenced by factors like access to healthcare, lifestyle habits, and environmental exposures.
While it’s crucial to recognize this connection, it’s also essential to understand that cancer can still affect anyone, regardless of their economic status. Consequently, preventive measures like eating healthily, exercising regularly, monitoring exposure to harmful substances, and getting routine check-ups remain essential for everyone across all income levels.
