[Cancers induced by occupational exposure: What progress has been made?]

Abstract

Introduction: In 2019, only 1,790 occupational cancers were recognized, i.e., less than 1% of estimated occupational cancers. Our study aims to expand the methodology of a French cancer center to improve the detection and compensation of occupational bronchopulmonary cancers.

Patients and methods: Between November 2014 and December 2020, all patients diagnosed with primary bronchopulmonary cancer (including mesothelioma) received a free questionnaire (Curriculum Laboris) aimed at retracing their professional career but also socio-demographic data. After an initial analysis of the questionnaire, a consultation can be scheduled if exposures are suspected. They will then be confirmed or not, during a consultation of around 1hour 30minutes during which the patient's precise career path is explored.

Results: Among the 498 patient questionnaires received, 261 patients (52%) benefited from a consultation. Of all the patients seen in consultation, 198 (or 76%) had a proposal to declare an occupational disease. Among the 151 declarations of which the fate is known, 107 (i.e., 54% of the proposed declarations or 21% of the questionnaires concerning primary lung cancer) received an agreement of recognition.

Conclusion: The massive underreporting of occupational cancers at present in France is a real public health problem. The two major issues in the recognition of occupational diseases are, on the one hand, reparation for the damage suffered by victims or their beneficiaries and, on the other hand, the adaptation of national prevention programs considering past, present and emerging.

Keywords: Cancer du poumon; Compensation; Exposition professionnelle; Indemnisation; Lung cancer; Occupational exposure; Recognition; Reconnaissance.