Inequalities in Cancer (SDL 6)

Question 1

Describe the patterns of inequalities in cancer in the UK in terms of incidence.

Answer 1

On average, men have an excess incidence of 16%.

Question 2

Describe the patterns of inequalities in cancer in the UK in terms of survival.

Answer 2

• On average, men have an excess mortality rate of 38%.

- Male mortality rate has been improving faster than female mortality rate in the past 20 years.

Question 3

List 3 reasons for the higher incidence of cancer among males compared to females.

Answer 3

1 - Men have a lower awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer than women.

2 - Men have a lower uptake of screening than women.

3 - There is a higher incidence of lung cancers in men due to historical smoking patterns.

Question 4

List 5 lifestyle factors that contribute to inequalities in cancer incidence.

Answer 4

1 - Higher smoking rates in more deprived groups.

2 - Poorer diets in more deprived groups.

3 - Increased inactivity in more deprived groups.

4 - Increased stress in more deprived groups.

5 - Higher prevalence of obesity in more deprived groups.

Question 5

List 8 wider determinants of health that might affect different socioeconomic groups differently.

Answer 5

1 - Access.

2 - Education.

3 - Skills.

4 - Time.

5 - Stress.

6 - Cost.

7 - Availability.

8 - Beliefs.

Question 6

List 4 factors that negatively affect cancer survival.

Answer 6

1 - More advanced stage at diagnosis.

2 - Delays in treatment.

3 - Treatment variation.

4 - The presence of comorbidities.

Question 7

List 2 primary, 2 secondary and 2 tertiary prevention techniques that can be used to reduce inequalities in cancer incidence, survival and patient experience.

Answer 7

Primary:

1 - Improve access of information to cancer risks in more deprived areas.

2 - Introduce taxes to increase the price of unhealthy foods or lower the cost of / improve availability of healthy foods.

Secondary:

1 - Target people with higher incidences of cancer for screening.

2 - Improve effectiveness of cancer treatment in the NHS.

Tertiary:

1 - Target people with higher incidences of cancer for screening for potential complications.

2 - Make more rehabilitation services available on the NHS.