You very likely know that certain jobs are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. It’s backed up by many different research studies.
And the experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami, South Florida’s state-of-the art radiation treatment center for cancer, want you to understand those risks and what they mean for you and your wellbeing.
The International Commission on Occupational Health Workplace Safety and Health Institute estimates 5% to 8% of all global cancers are caused by carcinogens in the workplace.
And while safety regulations are helping decrease that risk – exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, pesticides and asbestos are generally the culprits, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Keep in mind, only a small number of people in very specific jobs face an increased risk of cancer when exposure to chemicals is heavy and over many years.
Manufacturing, Construction and Mining Occupations and Cancer Risk
Working in factories that produce rubber can increase the risk of bladder, lung and stomach cancer as well as leukemia, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Construction workers face the risk of asbestos exposure, which can increase the risk of larynx, ovarian, and lung cancers. Miners, who are often around uranium and radon, may face an increased risk of brain, stomach and thyroid cancers.
Outside Occupations, UV Exposure and Cancer Risk
Those with careers working outdoors for long periods of time like construction, agriculture or lifeguarding jobs may face an increase in skin cancer, including melanoma. That’s largely due to the exposure to the sun’s UV rays without protecting the skin.
The same may be true for those on the road for long periods of time – like truck drivers.
Following sun safety like wearing and reapplying sunscreen – even if you’re in a car — as well as wearing protective clothing can mitigate that risk.
By the way, pilots also face an increased risk of UV exposure according to JAMA Dermatology.
Sedentary Occupations and Cancer Risk
Believe it or not – office jobs – which have long been linked to heart disease and diabetes – can increase the risk of cancer, according to the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Here’s why: Being sedentary can be associated with unhealthy habits like snacking or lack of exercise. Those negatively impact the immune system and the body’s hormone levels according to the American Cancer Society.
When high levels of sedentary behavior were compared to the lowest levels, one study from 2014 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found “a higher risk for colon, endometrial, and lung.
For every two hours of sitting, the risk increased 8 percent for colon cancer and 10 percent for endometrial cancer,” the American Institute for Cancer Research reported. So, if you have an office job, get up and move often. And if you do snack, consider healthier choices.
Occupations with Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer
The journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine reported that women in certain jobs, particularly hairdressers, beauticians and surprisingly accountants – may be at a higher risk for ovarian cancer while nurses may be at a decreased risk.
According to the study, working for more than 10 years as a hairdresser or construction worker tripled the risk of developing the disease. And working as an accountant doubled the risk. Long-term work in the clothing industry, like embroidery, increased the risk by 85% while working in retail raised the risk by 59%.
“Elevated risks were observed for high cumulative exposure to 18 agents for which a large proportion of occupations exposed to 12 of these agents were hairdressing related,” the authors stated.
Those agents or chemicals include ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, certain dyes, petroleum and textile dust. The authors said more studies are needed.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are concerned about how your job may impact your health, talk to your doctor, understand the risk factors and precautions you can take.
And if you or your loved one is diagnosed with cancer that may require radiation as a treatment, the experts at CyberKnife Miami– the premier cancer treatment center in South Florida – are here to help.
CyberKnife is a state-of-the art, noninvasive radiation treatment system that can successfully treat cancers of the prostate, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, head and neck, lymph nodes and brain as well as other metastatic cancers.
CyberKnife has been used for more than two decades. It has helped hundreds of thousands of patients – even patients who were told they couldn’t have more radiation, or their tumors were inoperable.
CyberKnife offers excellent tumor control, lower risk of damage to healthy tissue, a better quality of life during treatment and fewer treatments than with traditional radiation. Plus, most parts of the body that have been treated with radiation before can be retreated with CyberKnife should a tumor reappear.
If you would like to learn more about CyberKnife therapy, and our team, which is among the most experienced worldwide, visit our website or call 305-279-2000 for more information.