Update on Occupational Cancer for Better Cancer Prevention and Control

Abstract

Occupational cancer remains an ongoing and emerging issue in cancer prevention and control and is more easily preventable in practice than other causes. As of 2024, changes in various aspects, such as methods for estimating the burden of cancer, evidence on novel carcinogens and classification systems, modernization of working conditions, job characteristics, occupational exposure, and societal changes have played a significant role. Furthermore, advances in technology, including wearable devices, exposome, and biomedical technology, offer more precise methods for identifying the associations between occupational carcinogens and cancer. Diagnosing occupational cancer and investigating clusters are crucial for understanding its etiology. Prevention at every level- from primary to quarterly prevention- and promotional activities are crucial for exposed workers, often outweighing the importance of treatment, which can be costly. This updated information, as reviewed in this article, and cooperative work with occupational medicine physicians, could contribute to improving clinical practices for better cancer prevention and control.