World Lung Cancer Day is celebrated every year on 1 August. On this day, people around the world become aware and gain knowledge about the issues surrounding lung cancer. As it accounts for one in four cancer-related deaths, it is essential to promote early detection by raising awareness of the symptoms and developing screening programmes for the disease.
Early detection allows for treatment, reduces the likelihood of the disease spreading, and begins to reduce the number of lung cancer deaths worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer ranks first among cancer-related deaths worldwide, in both men and women. In 2020, there were 1.80 million deaths from lung cancer and 2.21 million new cases of the disease worldwide.
While it is common knowledge that smoking causes lung cancer, it is critical to recognize that occupational hazards also contribute significantly to the development of this disease and that smoking can aggravate the effects of occupational exposure and cause lung cancer.
These are the 5 careers that are most likely to result in lung cancer later in life.
Construction workers
Asbestos is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among construction workers following possible exposure to asbestos during renovation or demolition of buildings containing asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Roofing materials, floor tiles, and insulation are some examples of ACM. The predominant ingredient in construction materials, silica, can potentially increase the risk of cancer and lung disease.
Coal gasification and coke production
According to a study published in Translational Lung Cancer Research, the coal, coke and related products industry poses a significant risk of lung cancer. Personnel working in coal gasification may be exposed to various substances in addition to PAHs, such as asbestos, silica, arsenic, cadmium, lead, nickel, hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, sulfuric acid, aldehydes, etc.
Glass factory
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, glass filaments, ceramic fibers, and slag wool are examples of man-made mineral fibers that have been shown to have carcinogenic consequences. Studies in humans have shown an increased risk of lung cancer in those who produce glass and slag wool.
Miners
Miners can be exposed to asbestos at work, as can mechanics and construction workers, but they can also be exposed to other hazardous materials. Miners, for example, may be at increased risk of cancer as a result of exposure to radon and uranium, with possible malignancies such as gastric cancer, mesothelioma and brain cancer.
Welders
Welders work with metal parts, so part of their job involves daily exposure to a large amount of cancer-causing chemicals, such as benzene. These toxic fibers and gases, when inhaled, can damage the lungs and often lead to lung cancer and other deadly diseases.
Ways to create safer work environments
Primary prevention offers specific protection against a disease by eliminating or reducing known risk factors in groups that are vulnerable to it. Numerous studies have shown that tobacco use is associated with a high risk of lung cancer. By reducing tobacco use, we can reduce the incidence of lung cancer through behavioural change.
As the number of non-smokers developing lung cancer increases, it is imperative to investigate non-smoking risk factors. Occupational and environmental risk factors could be responsible. Since primary preventive care is a valuable and affordable strategy, its effectiveness needs to be investigated.
Appropriate communication tactics are required to disseminate political and scientific messages throughout society. The scientific community is well aware (but the general public is not) that lung cancer is caused by exposure to certain chemicals and occupational hazards.
To address environmental and occupational factors of lung cancer, multisectoral approaches and collaborations are required for primary prevention efforts.
Community-based interventions should be undertaken by community-based organizations, private companies, and health and non-health sectors, including environment, commerce, housing, industry, and employment.
To identify areas requiring action to prevent lung cancer related to the environment and work, research on lung cancer prevention is crucial.
