The prevention of occupational cancer

Abstract

Occupational exposures to carcinogens are widespread and can result in tragic consequences for exposed workers. Clinicians are in a unique position to identify associations between workplace exposures and human malignancy, and virtually all occupational carcinogens have first been recognized by astute clinicians. Further, occupational cancers are usually preventable, and clinicians can be very effective in triggering preventive activities by industry, unions, and public authorities.