Socio-economic status

Socio-economic status (SES) is often based on a person’s income, education level, occupation and other factors, such as where a person lives. These factors are interconnected and therefore don’t act independently of each other.

Studies have found that SES is associated with the risk of developing certain cancers. SES appears to play a role in modifiable risk factors for cancer, such as smoking, physical inactivity, being overweight or obese and excessive alcohol intake. SES may also affect how a person follows cancer screening recommendations. People with higher levels of income and education are more likely to participate in cancer screening.

Low SES has been linked to some cancers, such as lung, stomach and cervical cancer. On the other hand, high SES has also been linked to certain cancers, including breast and testicular cancer.