Analysis of the skin cancer incidence in Hamburg

BACKGROUND The aim of health geographical research is to identify regional variations in health and care and their causes. Regional differences are also evident in skin cancer incidence, but knowledge about small-scale, inner-city variations is not yet available. OBJECTIVES How can the inner-city variations in skin cancer incidence in Hamburg, Germany, be described and how can initial indications of their causes be identified? METHODS The study area is the city of Hamburg and the data source is the Hamburg City Health Study with N = 10,000 persons aged 45-74 years. Descriptive methods are used to characterise the regional variation in skin cancer prevalence adjusted for age and sex. A correlation analysis provides information on possible associations with sociodemographic conditions in the city districts and district clusters. RESULTS Skin cancer prevalence varies within the urban area with high prevalences (maximum 13.8%) in the north-east and south-west of Hamburg. Weak to medium correlations with selected sociodemographic variables are found. For example, the higher the living space per inhabitant (r = 0.35), the higher the skin cancer prevalence in the district. CONCLUSIONS The Hamburg City Health Study shows regional and inner-city disparities and possible associations between skin cancer prevalence and local sociodemographic conditions. However, further and methodologically more extensive studies are necessary in order to make detailed statements.