[Health practitioners' evaluation system on risks of contracting cancer due to environmental]

The increase in the number of cancers sprouting from man-made environmental risk factors calls for prevention policies strictly centered on the basis of a fact-sharing and transparent, evidence-based knowledge exchange. However, the related areas which are concerned are quite diverse, and given that the risks are of a cumulative nature, they are very difficult to measure. The information system therefore is complex and infinite. A qualitative study was carried out on the representations held by a variety of specialists who have potential links to the public or groups who might be exposed or at risk, including health professionals, engineers, and NGO and association managers and supervisors. The investigation was based upon a questionnaire which was developed with the assistance and participation of those involved in the management of information regarding professional, ecological or other kinds of risks. This method allowed for the study to favour and objectively prioritise the vision of the health professionals who were interviewed. The results show that the depictions vary depending on how and to what extent the different categories of professionals are involved, and that they reflect for the most part society's fears.