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World Cancer Day 2025: Understanding Occupational Cancers

Published on Posted on 4 February 20254 February 2025

Cancer affects over a million Australians, with 3 in 10 deaths attributable to cancer and an estimated 5000 new cases of work-related cancer annually. World Cancer Day, on February 4^th, serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and prevention alongside promoting awareness of workplace-related cancers, associated risks and entitlement to compensation, if a worker is diagnosed with an occupational cancer.

In Australia, the upcoming National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), set to commence in July 2025, presents a vital opportunity to detect lung cancer in its early stages. Apart from lung cancer, screening may also identify occupational lung and other cancers along with other respiratory-related changes. This World Cancer Day, take a moment to read the information below and educate yourself on the risks of Occupational Cancer.

National Lung Cancer Screening Program: What You Need to Know

The NLCSP is a government initiative aimed at screening individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 who have a significant smoking history. The program intends to detect lung cancer before symptoms appear, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.

Eligibility Criteria for the NLCSP

To qualify for the screening, individuals must meet the following conditions:

• Age: 50 to 70 years old
• Asymptomatic: Show no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
• Smoking History: At least 30 pack-years (e.g, one pack per day for 30 years)
• Current Smoking Status: Still smoking or quit within the last 10 years

Importantly, even if you are not a smoker, but have a history of workplace exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, silica dust, diesel exhaust or welding fumes you may still be at risk for lung cancer and other respiratory conditions and if experiencing symptoms should speak to your health professional.

Occupational Exposure: A Hidden Risk Factor

While smoking remains a major cause of lung cancer, occupational exposures account for a significant number of cases each year. Therefore, smoking does not preclude entitlement to compensation. Many Australian workers in construction, mining, manufacturing, welding, agriculture, and stonemasonry have been exposed to hazardous substances that can increase cancer risk. These exposures may take decades to manifest into symptoms, meaning retired workers could also be affected.

Your Risk of Occupational Cancer

Occupational cancers are those cancers caused by exposure to cancer-causing agents in the workplace. Some common cancer-causing agents include:

• Industrial chemicals, metals, dusts and combustion products – such as, asbestos, silica, diesel engine exhaust and welding fumes
• Exposure to radiation (especially, ultraviolet or ionising radiation)
• High risk professions and industries – such as, stonemasonry, farming, mining, welding, plastics/rubber manufacturing and construction
• Shift workers.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified over 165 cancer-causing agents that workers may be exposed to in their workplaces. 38 of these agents are considered high priority and specific to Australian workplaces. Some of the most common occupational cancers include:

• Lung and bronchus cancer – linked to asbestos, silica dust, diesel fumes, and welding fumes
• Mesothelioma – caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure
• Bladder cancer – associated with exposure to aromatic amines and diesel exhaust
• Myelodysplastic syndromes, Leukaemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – linked to benzene and other industrial chemicals
• Prostate cancer – potentially influenced by shift work and certain chemical exposures
• Skin cancers (melanoma and non-melanoma) – caused by prolonged outdoor work and UV radiation exposure, affecting industries such as farming and construction.

What Should You Do If You Suspect an Occupational Cancer?

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and believe it may be linked to past or current workplace exposure, it is essential to understand your legal rights.

Workers’ Compensation for Occupational Cancer

Workers diagnosed with an occupational cancer may be entitled to compensation that can cover:

• Weekly loss of income benefits
• Medical and like expenses
• Impairment Benefit
• 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 think you have an occupational cancer, 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. It is important to educate yourself on these processes on this World Cancer Day.

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 an occupational cancer or any other illness that stems from your working conditions, you can contact us for a No Fee, Obligation appointment.