IDENTIFICATION AND PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL CANCER RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Introduction. According to WHO data, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries, second only to cardiovascular diseases. Each year, approximately 10 million people worldwide die from cancer. It is projected that cancer-related mortality will continue to rise, with the number of cancer deaths expected to exceed 11 million by 2030. Around 19% of all cancer cases are attributed to environmental factors, including poor working conditions. It is estimated that 1.3 million deaths occur annually due to occupational factors.

Objectives. To identify the primary occupational carcinogenic risk factors and analyze their impact on workers' health.

Material and methods. This study employed a systematic literature review methodology to identify and analyze risk factors associated with occupational cancer and evaluate preventive strategies. Peer-reviewed articles, meta-analyses, and relevant grey literature were sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published in the last 14 years, using predefined keywords and Boolean operators. The review included studies published within the last decade focusing on various industries and occupational exposures.

Results. In the EU and other developed countries, cancer accounts for an estimated 53% of occupational-related deaths. Reliable data on occupational exposure to cancer risk factors are essential for ensuring workers' safety and health, as well as fostering a productive and sustainable economy. Cancer has a multifactorial origin, and numerous human carcinogens are currently recognized. It is well established that occupational carcinogens remain the fourth most common cause of cancer in the developed Western world. Assessing occupational cancer risk is further complicated by various occupational and non-occupational factors, the long latency period for cancer development, individual susceptibility to carcinogens, distinctions between occupational and non-occupational cancers.

Conclusions. Justifying preventive measures and promoting health for the active population, along with understanding the quantitative characteristics of causal relationships, are of paramount importance and will contribute to reducing the incidence of occupational diseases.