Municipal distribution of breast cancer mortality among women in Spain
2007

Breast Cancer Mortality in Spain

Sample size: 56711 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Pollán Marina, Ramis Rebeca, Aragonés Nuria, Pérez-Gómez Beatriz, Gómez Diana, Lope Virginia, García-Pérez Javier, Carrasco Jose Miguel, García-Mendizábal Maria José, López-Abente Gonzalo

Primary Institution: Carlos III Institute of Public Health, Madrid, Spain

Hypothesis

What is the relationship between breast cancer mortality and socio-economic indicators in different municipalities of Spain?

Conclusion

Breast cancer mortality rates are higher in urban areas and positively associated with socio-economic status, while rurality and a higher proportion of older individuals are linked to lower mortality rates.

Supporting Evidence

  • Breast cancer mortality increased with socio-economic level in women aged 50 and over.
  • Rurality was the only significant factor for women under 50 years.
  • High relative risks were observed in municipalities in the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands.

Takeaway

This study found that women in wealthier areas of Spain are more likely to die from breast cancer, while those in rural areas have lower rates of death from the disease.

Methodology

The study used a spatial model to analyze breast cancer mortality data from 1989 to 1998 across Spanish municipalities, considering socio-economic factors and age demographics.

Potential Biases

The ecological nature of the study may introduce confounding factors that are not accounted for.

Limitations

The study is descriptive and does not establish causation or identify all potential determinants of breast cancer mortality.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on breast cancer mortality among women, with a significant portion being over 49 years old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-7-78

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