Today, we celebrate Labor Day, the holiday that pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of the American workforce. The observation of Labor Day as a federal holiday began in 1894, although it was recognized in many states earlier.
The “workingmen’s holiday” started as a grassroots movement, championed by a growing number of labor unions, that emerged in the late 1700s as the manufacturing industry expanded. These unions, united in their cause, organized strikes, protests, and rallies to oppose low pay, unsafe workplaces, and other poor conditions for workers.
Parades, barbeques, pool parties, and picnics highlight some of today’s Labor Day festivities. In some regions of the country, Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer, as it occurs right before kids return to school. In recognition of today’s holiday, we can raise awareness about occupational cancer and how impacts the global cancer burden.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 2 and 8% of cancers diagnosed worldwide are attributed to exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. Exposures linked to workplaces include exposure to the sun or radiation, chemicals, and pollution.
A significant proportion of occupational cancers develop in the resulting from asbestos exposure. A recent study suggests that the global incidence of these occupational cancers has decreased, but only in regions with a high socio-demographic index. Another study corroborates these findings and also showed increases in the incidence of these cancer types in women.
Occupational exposures to ultraviolet radiation drive many cases of skin cancer, and the global burden of these cancers is also on the rise. Older men make up a significant proportion of the individuals affected by occupation-driven skin cancers.
Various professions put workers at risk of environmental exposures, which can lead to occupational cancers. It's crucial to understand these occupational exposures as it can guide the development of standards and procedures to mitigate the risk.
Sources: CDC, JAMA Netw Open, Ann Med, Lancet Respir Med, Environ Int
