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Work and Occupation: Important Indicators of Socioeconomic Position and Life Experiences Influencing Cancer Disparities

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Toward the Elimination of Cancer Disparities

A growing literature documents persistent disparities by socioeconomic position (SEP) and race/ethnicity across the cancer control continuum, with higher risk and worse outcomes observed for lower socioeconomic groups and those representing some ethnic/racial minorities (Institute of Medicine 1999, Lantz et al. 1998, Levy et al. 2006, Schwartz et al. 2003, Sorensen et al. 1995). These disparities are evident for cancer risk-related behaviors, including tobacco use, diet, and physical activity; risk factors such as overweight and obesity; cancer screening for early detection; diagnosis and treatment; and quality of life associated with survivorship and treatment at the end of life (Christian et al. 2006, Institute of Medicine 1999, 2003, Sequist and Schneider 2006); as well as for morbidity and mortality rates (Bouchardy et al. 2002, Melchior et al. 2007, Menvielle et al.

This paper draws in part from a prior paper: G. Sorensen and E. Barbeau, “Steps to a Healthier US Workforce: Integrating Occupational Health and Safety and Worksite Health Promotion: State of the Science,” Commissioned paper for NIOSH Steps to a Healthier US Workforce Symposium, October 26–28, 2004, Washington, DC.

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Acknowledgments

This work has been funded in part by the National Cancer Institute (1K05 CA108663 and 2R25 057711) and through the support of a grant from Liberty Mutual, Inc.

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  1. Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Community-Based Research, Boston, MA, USA

    Glorian Sorensen, Grace Sembajwe, Amy Harley & Lisa Quintiliani

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    Sorensen, G., Sembajwe, G., Harley, A., Quintiliani, L. (2009). Work and Occupation: Important Indicators of Socioeconomic Position and Life Experiences Influencing Cancer Disparities. In: Koh, H. (eds) Toward the Elimination of Cancer Disparities. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89443-0_4

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