[Cancers induced by occupational exposure: What progress has been made?]

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Oncology
• Public health

Background:

• Occupational cancers are vastly underreported, with less than 1% recognized in France.
• Existing methods fail to adequately detect and compensate occupational bronchopulmonary cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the methodology for detecting and compensating occupational bronchopulmonary cancers.
• To improve the recognition and management of occupational cancer cases.

Main Methods:

• A free questionnaire (Curriculum Laboris) was distributed to patients diagnosed with primary bronchopulmonary cancer.
• Detailed career and socio-demographic data were collected, followed by in-depth consultations for suspected exposures.

Main Results:

• 52% of patients completed the questionnaire and attended a consultation.
• 76% of consulted patients were proposed for occupational disease declaration.
• 54% of proposed declarations received official recognition.

Conclusions:

• Significant underreporting of occupational cancers poses a public health challenge.
• Improved detection and compensation are crucial for victims' reparation.
• Findings can inform national prevention programs for occupational diseases.