Occupational cancer: A hidden reality and an awaiting challenge

Occupational exposure to carcinogens in Brazil: An approach

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of the primary occupational exposures, considered risk factors for Cancer in Brazil. We elaborated two exposure scenarios considering the agents' classification and the intensity of exposure, stratified by Brazilian regions and sex. Two pairs of specialists performed the classification of economic activities and occupations due to exposure. There was an excellent overall agreement (94%) and acceptable overall reliability (kappa 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95). There is a notable difference (595%) in occupational exposure between the north (with a higher concentration of rural areas and extractivism) and southeast (with a higher level of industrial activities). There is a difference in prevalence from 833% for solvents to 1170% for inorganic dust between the two scenarios. There is a heterogeneity of exposures according to location, sex, circumstance, and sensitiveness of classification.

Improving Education and Training to Reduce the Burden of Occupational Cancer. The Riga-European Association of Schools of Occupational Medicine (EASOM) Statement on Work-Related Cancer

Reducing the burden of occupational cancers (OCs) is currently one of the most challenging Occupational Health (OH) issues. The European Union (EU) has made efforts to improve the existing legal framework and developed specific legislation aimed at reducing the burden of OC. However, available data suggest that OC are underreported. In August 2019, the European Association of Schools of Occupational Medicine (EASOM) adopted a statement that highlighted the importance of improving the education and training of Medical Doctors (MDs) to facilitate improvements in recognizing and reporting OC. To achieve this, EASOM proposes to promote OH education and training of MDs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, foster harmonization of OH education and teaching standards and programs across EU countries, and enhance cooperation between universities and international scientific associations. Finally, we suggest that occupational data should be recorded in cancer and medical registers. By engaging MDs more fully in the debate about OCs, they will become more aware of the Occupational Physician’s role in reducing the burden of OCs and, furthermore, embed consideration of occupation as a potential cause of cancer into their own practice. These interventions will help promote the implementation of policies and interventions aimed to reduce OC in the workplace.