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Unrecognized asbestos-induced disease
M C Barroetavena1, K Teschke, D V Bates
1Department of Health Care & Epidemiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Occupational cancers, particularly lung cancer from asbestos exposure, are significantly under-reported. Many cases are unrecognized, suggesting a need for better occupational disease surveillance and recognition.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Occupational cancers are often under-reported, meaning diseases that develop due to workplace exposures are not accurately identified.
- Asbestos exposure is a known cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma, but the relationship between these cancers requires further investigation.
- Existing data suggests a discrepancy between reported and expected rates of asbestos-related lung cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the under-reporting of occupationally related cancers, specifically focusing on asbestos exposure.
- To compare reported lung cancer and mesothelioma cases linked to asbestos exposure with expected epidemiological rates.
- To assess the role of radiological asbestosis in the risk of lung cancer following asbestos exposure.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from Workers' Compensation Boards in New South Wales, Australia, and British Columbia, Canada (1980-1994).
- Comparison of observed lung cancer to mesothelioma ratios with established epidemiological findings.
- Evaluation of the necessity of radiological asbestosis for increased lung cancer risk.
Main Results:
- Significant under-reporting of occupationally related lung cancer due to asbestos exposure was identified.
- In combined data from 1980-1994, approximately 1,207 lung cancer cases attributable to asbestos exposure were unrecognized as occupationally related.
- The ratio of lung cancer to mesothelioma cases was lower than expected, indicating under-ascertainment of occupational lung cancer.
- Radiological asbestosis is unlikely to be a prerequisite for increased lung cancer risk from asbestos exposure.
Conclusions:
- There is substantial under-reporting of occupational lung cancer, particularly from asbestos exposure.
- Current surveillance systems may fail to identify many asbestos-related lung cancers.
- The presence of radiological asbestosis is not essential for asbestos to increase lung cancer risk.