Cancer Prevention at Work (CPW) project: Rationale, framework and research protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• Chronic infections like Helicobacter pylori (Hp), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are significant contributors to the global cancer burden.
• Existing occupational health surveillance (OHS) infrastructure offers a scalable platform for primary cancer prevention interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the integration of infection screening and prevention (Hp, HCV, HPV) into workplace health programs.
• To assess the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of the Cancer Prevention at Work (CPW) initiative.
• To strengthen population-level cancer prevention by targeting workers and their households.

Main Methods:

• Implementing a micro-elimination strategy for HCV and data-driven risk assessment for Hp and HPV.
• Utilizing a comprehensive data management framework for harmonized data collection and cost-effectiveness analysis.
• Conducting pilot studies across four European countries to assess project outcomes.

Main Results:

• The CPW project demonstrates a framework for integrating infection-related cancer prevention into OHS programs.
• Pilot studies provide data on the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and economic sustainability of the approach.
• The project highlights the potential for reducing cancer burden through workplace-based interventions.

Conclusions:

• Integrating primary cancer prevention for chronic infections into OHS programs is a viable strategy.
• The CPW project offers a scalable model for occupational cancer prevention across Europe.
• Evidence generated supports policy recommendations for enhanced workplace health initiatives.