Epidemiological insights into occupational cancers: A five-year retrospective analysis at the Tunisian institute of occupational health and safety

Abstract

Cancer stands as the fourth leading cause of global mortality. Occupational exposures play a substantial role in the development of various types of cancer, including lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. The links between exposure to carcinogenic agents in the workplace and the subsequent development of various forms of cancer have been unequivocally established. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological features of occupational cancers reported in the Tunisian Institute of Occupational Health and Safety during 2015−2020. This was a descriptive retrospective investigation, focusing on cases of reported occupational cancers that were documented during clinical consultations at the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety in Tunisia over the period from 2015 to 2020. Epidemiological features were analysed by year, region, industry, gender, age at diagnosis, and exposure duration to occupational hazards. A total of 7 patients sought consultation to evaluate the potential occupational origins of their cancers. The mean age of patients was 60.14 ± 10 years. All subjects had a history of smoking (7 cases), with an average of 22 pack-years. Alcohol consumption was reported in a solitary patient. In each case, a definitive occupational link was established. The patients held diverse occupational roles: miners (3 cases), construction workers (2 cases), machine operators (1 case), and maintenance agents (1 case). The average duration of occupational exposure was 27 years. Six patients had bronchopulmonary cancer. One patient had bladder cancer. Symptoms manifested, on average, 20 years after starting employment. Detailed occupational scrutiny unveiled exposure to distinct hazardous agents: silica particles (4 cases), asbestos (1 case), solvents (1 case), and nickel (1 case). Correspondingly, the reported cancer cases were classified under specific categories of the Tunisian list of compensable occupational diseases. The study underscores the significant but often overlooked role of occupational agents in the development of bronchial and bladder cancer. Urgent preventive actions, such as the implementation of protective equipment and automation of certain processes, are crucial to reducing the occurrence of occupational cancers.