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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Protection & Prevention

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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to support the 26,400 Australian men expected to be diagnosed this year. This month is also a timely reminder to protect ourselves against occupational hazards at our workplaces that may increase risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for men in Australia. It affects men in older age groups and is relatively rare in men under 50 years. According to the Cancer Council, one in six males will be diagnosed by the age of 85.

There is, however, some good news. 90% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed early. Depending on the type and stage, some people do not need treatment and will be closely monitored instead.  

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate gland start growing in an uncontrolled manner, resulting in the formation of a lump, called a tumour. Not all lumps are cancerous, but those that are cancerous are called ‘malignant tumours’.

Approximately 5-10% of all Australian cases have a genetic cause. That leaves up to 90% of all cases that can be attributed to environmental factors.

Can my work cause Prostate Cancer?

High-risk Occupations

If you work in the following occupations, you may be at an increased risk of developing occupational prostate cancer:

FIREFIGHTING

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is sufficient evidence to conclude that there is a link between firefighting-related exposures and different types of cancer.

Firefighters are susceptible to developing a range of cancers, including prostate, due to frequent exposure to cancer-causing substances. Accordingly in 2019, the Victorian Government enacted a law providing presumptive rights to career and volunteer firefighters. This means that they will be automatically entitled to WorkCover compensation under the presumption that their cancer was caused by their service, provided they have been diagnosed from 1 June 2016 and had served in operational roles for the corresponding prescribed minimum number of years (15 years for occupational prostate cancer).

SHIFT WORK

Studies have shown that shift work is significantly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Exposure to light at night results in circadian rhythm disruption and endocrine (hormonal) disruption, which has been linked with prostate cancer.

At-risk occupations:

  • Flight personnel
  • Medical personnel
  • Fire departments
  • Call centre workers
  • Transport workers
  • Police

Hazardous substances

If your work requires you to deal with the following substances, you may be at an increased risk of developing occupational prostate cancer:

BENZENE

Benzene is a component of exhaust fumes, wood, gasoline and tobacco smoke. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified arsenic as a group I human carcinogen.

  • Sources of exposure
    • Glues and adhesives
    • Cleaning products
    • Paints
    • Tobacco smoke
    • Gasoline fumes and vehicle exhausts

ARSENIC

Arsenic is a toxic element widely distributed in the environment. Accumulating evidence shows that long-term exposure to arsenic is associated with cancers of the skin, lung, bladder, kidney and prostate cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified arsenic as a group I human carcinogen.

  • Arsenic-containing products include:
    • Gasoline
    • Paint remover/thinner
    • Wood stains/finishes
    • Epoxy glue
    • Stain removers
    • Bleach
    • Liquid soap
    • Furniture polish
    • Anti-polish
  • At-risk occupations include:
    • Farmers
    • Land management workers
    • Pesticide manufacturing workers
    • Pesticide spray applicator

CHROMIUM

Chromium is a trace mineral (minerals present in living tissues in small amounts) used to harden steel, manufacture stainless steel and to produce several alloys. A toxic form of chromium can be generated as dust, fumes or mist from workplace activities.

Sources of exposure:

  • Paint and coatings
  • Dyes
  • Addition of cement to gravel and sand to make concrete
  • Chrome plating
  • Welding
  • Leather tanning
  • Chromate use in textile industry
  • Textile dyeing

At-risk occupations:

  • Welders
  • Leather industry workers
  • Electroplating workers

What are the signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Early prostate cancer usually does not involve any symptoms.

However, advanced prostate cancer symptoms may include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Pain while urinating
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Bone pain in the back or pelvis
  • Weak legs or feet
  • Unexplained weight loss

Am I eligible for Workcover Compensation?

If you are diagnosed with occupational prostate cancer, you may be entitled to WorkCover compensation based on the nature of your employment (whether current or former employment).

It must be shown that the nature of your employment significantly increased the risk of contracting occupational cancer. There is no requirement to prove that the employment was the direct cause.

A worker diagnosed with an occupational prostate cancer may be entitled to claim WorkCover compensation for:

What do I do if I think I have Occupational Prostate Cancer?

If you think you may have occupational prostate cancer, please see your general practitioner or a specialist to determine if it may be due to the nature of your employment.

It is important that you give an occupational history.

Given that the period between exposure and the onset of symptoms can be lengthy, early preventative measures and detection is highly recommended.

If you believe you have signs of occupational prostate cancer or any other illness that stems from your working conditions, you can contact us for a No Fee, Obligation appointment.