Occupational exposures and risk of cancer

In our research, we explore the health consequences of exposures in specific occupational groups, currently focusing on offshore petroleum workers and firefighters. This involves connecting data on their work histories and exposures with national registries of disease, particularly cancer, and mortality. To enhance the depth of our analysis, we incorporate information on potential confounders, which are gathered through surveys. Our approach aims to establish clear connections between occupational exposures and health outcomes, providing valuable insights into the risks associated with these professions.

The primary objective is to enhance occupational health practices and guide policy decisions. By comparing cohorts of 100,000 workers with the general population, the research aims to discern patterns and associations between occupational exposures and the risk of cancer. Internal comparisons within these cohorts based on varying levels of exposure further contribute to a nuanced understanding of the potential health impacts. Notably, the scientific papers derived from these studies have played a significant role in shaping the evaluations of human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), particularly in Monographs volumes 120 (2018) and 132 (2022). The outcomes of this research hold the potential to influence occupational safety guidelines and contribute to the broader understanding of the link between specific exposures and cancer risks, thereby benefitting both workers and policymakers.

Links to more detailed information:

Cancer among Norwegian offshore workers

Cancer risk among firefighters

Occupational exposures and risk of cancer

Cancer Registry of Norway