Occupational cancer

Abstract

This chapter is designed to provide an overview of occupational cancer, its causes, risks, and prevention. The subject is vast and extends into clinical, epidemiological, legal, toxicological, and ethical areas, among others. As a result, a complete discussion of this topic is beyond the scope of this chapter. It is intended, however, to be a basic resource on the subject for researchers, physicians, nurses, and other health professionals with a particular emphasis on biomarkers. The chapter includes a brief history of early occupational cancer, contemporary issues related to occupational cancer risks, and methods for determining such risks through epidemiological, animal and in vitro investigations. Sections on assessing risks of occupational cancer and its prevention follow, along with a discussion on addressing casual associations.