Cancer Clusters: Geographic Disparities in Head and Neck Cancer Incidence in Greater Manchester and East Cheshire

TL;DR

This study explores if socioeconomic factors are linked to head and neck cancer rates in Greater Manchester and East Cheshire.

Contribution

The study provides exploratory insights into geographic and socioeconomic patterns of head and neck cancer.

Findings

A weak negative correlation was observed between socioeconomic status and head and neck cancer incidence.

The correlation was not statistically significant at the α = 0.05 level.

The findings suggest a need for further investigation into geographic and socioeconomic cancer patterns.

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to assess whether a statistically significant correlation exists between socioeconomic status, measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), and the incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) in Greater Manchester and East Cheshire. Understanding this relationship can help inform targeted public health interventions and reduce healthcare disparities.

Methods

Using Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) lists, 236 HNC patients from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust were identified. Patient demographics and residential postcodes were extracted from the HIVE electronic patient record system. Postcodes were then mapped to IMD deciles using the UK Government’s official postcode-to-IMD lookup tool. This allowed for the categorisation of patients by area-level socioeconomic deprivation.

Results

The analysis revealed a negative correlation (ρ = -0.21) between socioeconomic status, as indicated by IMD decile, and the incidence of HNC cases. Statistical analysis showed that this correlation was not statistically significant at the α = 0.05 level.

Conclusion

While this study did not identify a statistically significant correlation between socioeconomic deprivation and HNC incidence, a weak negative trend was observed. These exploratory findings suggest potential geographic and socioeconomic patterns that warrant further investigation. Understanding these trends may support more targeted public health strategies - especially in regions with a higher disease burden - and contribute to efforts aimed at earlier diagnosis and improved health outcomes.

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