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Pleural mesotheliomas are underreported as occupational cancer in Sweden
1Department of Occupational Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S:t Göteborg, Sweden.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to estimate to what degree malignant pleural mesotheliomas were reported as occupational cancers. The study included all malignant pleural mesotheliomas (n = 210) found in the Cancer Registry 1980-1989 from four Swedish counties. Whether or not a case was reported as occupational cancer was found in the Swedish Register of Reported Occupational Diseases. To evaluate the presence of exposure histories, the chest department files for 58 mesotheliomas from one county were reviewed. The reporting was low, with only 75 mesotheliomas (36%) reported. All the cases were men, and for the men, the reporting frequency was 42%. The reporting was significantly lower for the last part of the decade than for the first part. The reporting frequency decreased with age. In the review of the chest department files, an exposure history was found in 93% of the reported cases and in 47% of the unreported cases. It is concluded that physicians must give more priority to exposure histories in patients with pleural mesotheliomas.
Insights
Reporting of malignant pleural mesothelioma as an occupational cancer is low, particularly in recent years and with increasing age. Physicians should prioritize exposure history assessment for these cancer cases.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a serious cancer often linked to occupational asbestos exposure.
- Accurate reporting of occupational cancers is crucial for public health surveillance and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of malignant pleural mesothelioma cases reported as occupational cancers in Sweden.
- To identify factors influencing the reporting of these cancers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of malignant pleural mesothelioma cases (n=210) from a Swedish Cancer Registry (1980-1989).
- Cross-referencing with the Swedish Register of Reported Occupational Diseases.
- Review of chest department files for 58 cases to assess exposure history.
Main Results:
- Only 36% of malignant pleural mesothelioma cases were reported as occupational cancers.
- Reporting rates were higher in men (42%) and decreased over time and with age.
- Exposure history was present in 93% of reported and 47% of unreported cases.
Conclusions:
- Underreporting of malignant pleural mesothelioma as an occupational cancer is significant.
- Physicians need to improve the identification and reporting of occupational exposure histories in mesothelioma patients.