NEW YORK, July 13: A large study from Finland suggests that individuals with higher education and better jobs have a greater genetic risk for certain cancers, especially breast and prostate cancers. These findings challenge the longstanding belief that poverty correlates with higher cancer rates.

The study analyzed genetic, health, and socioeconomic information from 280,000 adults over 35 to assess risks for 19 diseases. Data was collected from a Finnish genomic project utilizing biobank and national registry records.

Researchers found that less-educated individuals are more genetically susceptible to developing rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, depression, alcoholism, and Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, those with higher education levels face a greater risk for breast and prostate cancers.

Presented at the European Society of Human Genetics annual conference last month, the study uniquely focuses on genetics rather than just lifestyle or environmental factors. Traditionally, low-income populations have been seen as bearing a greater cancer burden due to factors such as lack of insurance and limited access to preventive and treatment services.

Dr. Fiona Hagenbeek highlighted a link between socioeconomic status, genetics, and cancer incidence. She hypothesized that individuals with higher means have better access to healthcare, including screenings, and greater health literacy, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like smoking and alcohol abuse. Age also plays a role, as wealthier individuals may live longer and thus have more time to develop cancer.

Dr. Jiyoung Ahn of the NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center emphasized the importance of screening behavior in this research. She noted that higher socioeconomic status is associated with a higher likelihood of getting screened. Dr. Elisa Port of the Mount Sinai Health System echoed this sentiment, suggesting that increased screening leads to higher detection rates of cancers such as breast and prostate.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that over 310,000 US women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and nearly 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer are anticipated. An ACS study indicates that many cancer cases, including tens of thousands of breast cancer instances, could potentially be prevented through lifestyle changes.

Dr. Port advises women to maintain a healthy body weight, minimize alcohol consumption, and be cautious with hormone replacement therapy during menopause to lower their breast cancer risk. Regular screening is also crucial for early detection and treatment. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 55 to 69 consider prostate cancer screening and that women aged 40 to 74 at average risk for breast cancer get mammograms every other year.

In her research statement, Hagenbeek suggests that highly educated women with high genetic risk for breast cancer may benefit from earlier or more frequent screenings. Dr. Ahn expressed interest in seeing if these findings are replicated in the US, indicating the potential for broader implications of this research.