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Occupation and cancer in Britain
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK. l.rushton@imperial.ac.uk
British Journal of Cancer
|April 29, 2010
Summary
In Britain, 5.3% of cancer deaths and 4.0% of cancer registrations in 2005 were linked to occupational exposures. Key risks include asbestos and shift work, particularly in construction and for women, highlighting the need for workplace safety improvements.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Prioritizing cancer control measures requires evidence-based strategies.
- This study estimated the burden of cancer in Britain from past occupational exposures to established and probable carcinogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the current burden of cancer mortality and incidence attributable to occupational exposures in Britain.
- To identify specific carcinogens, industries, and occupations contributing to this burden.
Main Methods:
- Calculated attributable fractions and numbers for cancer mortality and incidence.
- Utilized risk estimates from literature and national data to determine exposure proportions.
Main Results:
- In 2005, 5.3% of cancer deaths (8019) and 4.0% of cancer registrations (13,679) were occupationally attributed.
- Mesothelioma, sinonasal, lung, and breast cancers showed occupational attributable fractions over 2%.
- Construction industry work accounted for 56% of male cancer registrations, while shift work accounted for 54% of female cancer registrations (breast cancer).
Conclusions:
- This is the first detailed quantification of occupational cancer burden and mortality in Britain.
- Past occupational exposures significantly impact population cancer morbidity and mortality.
- Risk reduction strategies must target workplaces with ongoing exposures to carcinogenic agents.
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