Unemployment and lung cancer incidence in the Province of Opole. Brief report.

In this geostatistical analysis we present the results of interrelation between unemployment rate and lung cancer incidence ratios in the Province of Opole, Poland. In the study, unemployment statistics and population data were analyzed together with the registered (histopathologically confirmed) lung cancer cases (C34, ICD10) in sex-stratified working age population (18-65 years). The data were collected in the years 2006-2008 in the Statistical Office in Opole and Opole Cancer Registry, Poland. The statistically significant positive correlation/interrelation between unemployment rate and lung cancer incidence ratios in male population was established; in females, this effect was statistically insignificant. The obtained results are consistent with the most up-to-date reports supporting the thesis that a higher burden of disease is observed in more deprived areas. The statistics may have practical relevance in terms of improving health status of the local population following economic reforms.