Shedding Light on Lymphoma & Leukemia: Why this Month Matters
Published on Posted onWednesday, September 4th, 2024 marked World Leukemia Day and World Lymphoma Day is approaching on 15th September, 2024. Along with raising awareness and showing support for those living with blood cancer, these World Awareness Days are a timely reminder of the occupational causes that may place you at an increased risk of developing leukemia and lymphoma.
Around 135,000 Australians are living with blood cancer today. According to Cancer Council Victoria, leukemia and lymphoma are two of the most prevalent blood cancers. As these cancers cannot be screened or otherwise prevented, it is important to be aware of, and limit exposure to, hazardous substances that may put you at increased risk.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia develops in the bone marrow and occurs due to developing blood cells going through a malignant (cancerous) change. The blood cells multiply uncontrollably and do not mature properly, and in turn, they do not function correctly.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms differ between each person and can vary based on the specific form of leukemia.
In general, common symptoms may include:
- Pale skin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Unexplained rashes
- Night sweats
- Repeat and/or severe infections
- Frequent fevers
- Pain in bones and joints
Please see your general practitioner if you have been experiencing any symptoms.
Does my workplace put me at risk of developing Leukemia?
Table 1. The following table outlines some of the common cancer-causing substances in the workplace, harmful sources of exposure and the occupations that have increased risk of developing leukemia.
| Hazardous Substances | Sources of exposure | At-risk occupations |
| Benzene | – Fuel fumes – Manufacturing – Paints – Varnishes – Lacquer thinners | – Automotive service technicians – Mechanics – Delivery and courier drivers – Taxi drivers – Firefighters – Steel workers – Rubber workers – Shoemakers |
| Butadiene | – Rubbers used to manufacture automotive tyres and tyre products – Automotive hoses – Belts – Seals – Gaskets – Fungicides – Luggage | – Machine operators in rubber and plastic processing industries |
| Cyclophosphamide | – Therapeutic use in hospitals and cancer treatment facilities – Veterinary treatments | – Medical personnel who work in administering chemotherapy drugs to patients – Nurses – Pharmacists – Veterinarians, veterinary nurses and animal handlers |
| Hepatitis C (HCV) | – Virus is propagated via contact with infected blood | – Health care workers – Persons who handle body substances – Embalmers – Clinical laboratory staff – Workers in long-term correctional facilities – Police – Members of the armed forces – Emergency services workers – Tattooists |
| Ionizing radiation | – X-rays – Radiation-generating machines | – Health care workers – Persons who handle body substances – Embalmers – Clinical laboratory staff – Workers in long-term correctional facilities – Police – Members of the armed forces – Emergency services workers – Tattooists |
| Formaldehyde | – Building materials – Fungicides – Germicides – Disinfectants – Preservative in mortuaries and medical laboratories | – Occupations working with particle board or plywood – Firefighters – Occupations involving backburning – Occupations sterilizing medical equipment – Pathology laboratories |
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma affects lymphocyte cells. These cells are white blood cells found in lymph, which is a fluid which travels all throughout the body through the lymphatic systems network of vessels. Lymphoma develops when these cells undergo a malignant change, causing them to multiply and form tumours. These tumours can cause swelling in the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms differ between each person and can vary based on the specific form of lymphoma.
In general, common symptoms may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Unexplained rashes or red spots on the skin
- Lumps or swelling around the neck, armpit, or groin
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Itchy skin
- Night sweats
- Repeat and/or severe infections
- Frequent fevers
- Pain in bones and joints
Please see your general practitioner if you have been experiencing any symptoms.
Does my workplace put me at risk of developing Lymphoma?
Table 2. The following table outlines some of the common cancer causing substances in the workplace, harmful sources of exposure and the occupations that have increased risk of developing lymphoma.
| Hazardous Substances | Sources of exposure | At-risk occupations |
| Ionising radiation | – X-rays – Radiation-generating machines | – Radiographers – Radiologists – Radiotherapists – Dentists – Security (i.e., customs officers) – Nuclear industry |
| Benzene | – Fuel fumes – Manufacturing – Paints – Varnishes – Lacquer thinners | – Automotive service technicians – Mechanics – Delivery and courier drivers – Taxi drivers – Firefighters – Steel workers – Rubber workers – Shoemakers |
| Trichloroethylene | – Solvents for cleaning metal parts | – Dry cleaning – Occupations involving degreasing metal parts – Occupations where oils and fats are extracted from vegetable products |
What do I do if I think I have Lymphoma or Leukemia?
Unfortunately, there are no preventative measures for lymphoma or leukemia. However, if your workplace has put you at a significantly increased risk of developing leukemia or lymphoma, you may be entitled to compensation.
First, it is recommended that you see your general practitioner or specialist to determine if you have any conditions or diseases that may be due to the nature of your employment.
It is important that you give an occupational history.
If diagnosed, would I eligible for WorkCover compensation?
A worker diagnosed with a blood cancer such as Lymphoma or Leukemia may be entitled to WorkCover compensation based on the nature of their (current or former) employment.
It must be shown that the nature of your employment significantly increased the risk of you developing the blood cancer rather than you proving that your current or past employment with a specific employer is the actual cause.
A worker diagnosed with a blood cancer you may be entitled to claim WorkCover compensation for:
- Weekly loss of income benefits
- Medical and like expenses
- Impairment Benefit (no fault lump sum)
- In some circumstances, damages for pain and suffering and loss of earnings
You may also be entitled to other benefits regardless of whether you qualify for WorkCover compensation, including total and permanent disablement benefits from your superannuation policy.
If you would like more information on Occupational Cancer’s or Occupational Diseases you can find more blogs here.
