Decomposing Socioeconomic Inequalities in Cancer Mortality: Incidence vs. Survival Differences in Belgium (2004-2013)

Joachim Gotink, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Freija Verdoodt, Belgian Cancer Registry
Sylvie Gadeyne, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Belgium, like many Western countries, faces a significant cancer burden with persistent high incidence rates. Despite advancements in cancer treatment and prevention, the socioeconomic disparities in cancer outcomes remain complex and heterogeneous. This study introduces a relatively novel approach by decomposing socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality into incidence and survival differences, using data from Belgium for the period 2004-2013. We analyzed data from the Belgian Cancer Registry, the Belgian National Register, and the 2001 Belgian Census, focusing on various cancers including breast, colon, lung, and melanoma. Our methodology involves calculating the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) and decomposing mortality differences between educational groups into incidence and survival components. Our preliminary findings reveal that socioeconomic status significantly influences cancer outcomes, with notable shifts from incidence-driven disparities in younger populations to survival-driven disparities in older age groups. This approach not only provides insights into the nature of cancer inequalities but also emphasizes the need for targeted public health strategies that address both preventive measures and treatment accessibility to effectively reduce these disparities. Further research and policy adjustments are essential for optimizing cancer care and reducing socioeconomic inequalities.

Keywords: Decomposition analysis, Linked data sets , Mortality and Longevity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See extended abstract.