Abstract

VICENTE-HERRERO, Mª Teófila et al. 360º vision in cancer and work. Guidelines for action. Rev Asoc Esp Espec Med Trab [online]. 2022, vol.31, n.4, pp.418-427.  Epub Mar 13, 2023. ISSN 3020-1160.

Cancer is a disease that has seen substantial improvements and developments regarding its diagnosis and available treatments. This is causing its prevalence in all countries to experience an increase inversely proportional to the generalised decrease of its mortality rate. In the specific case of work-related cancer, the focus is on preventive actions based on determining its causes and avoiding them as much as possible: eliminating or reducing contact or intake of substances that can cause cancer, minimising exposure times, and increasing collective and individualised protection of workers who are exposed to carcinogens.

However, this disease is multi-causal and includes exposure to environmental, personal and occupational factors. This often makes it difficult to establish the causal relationship between the illness and these factors, something essential for its categorisation.

Not all risk factors can be avoided, and when damage appears, in this case the suspicion of cancer, preventive actions must be taken quickly and in a coordinated way following designated protocols. An early and accurate diagnosis of cancer is of high importance, even if the patient does not yet show clear symptoms of disease, in order to decide on the most appropriate treatment.

The detection and disclosure of suspected work-related cancer is responsibility of the Occupational Health Services (SPRL), as well as Occupational Medicine and Occupational Nursing specialists, and, outside the workplace, all professionals involved within the Public Health System. Likewise, in view of the increasing cancer overcoming rate and even greater survival rate, the return to work of employees who have suffered from cancer keeps gaining weight. This return-to-work process requires coordination between all agents involved: prevention and health professionals, both in and outside workplace.

We propose a 360-degree vision on this subject, looking to facilitate a joint protocol that can be adjusted as relevant improvements in this field are achieved, as it is recommended to any organisation or company that aims to optimise its objectives and results.

Keywords : cancer; occupational health; occupational risk factors; risk prevention.

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