Studies on cancer risk and mortality from occupational and environmental exposure
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Since the 1970s, the Cancer Registry of Norway has conducted studies of cancer risk and mortality among a number of occupational groups and industries, and since 1999, studies on environmental toxins and cancer risk have been an important part of the research, for example using biological material from the Janus serum bank and analyses of exposure biomarkers. The Cancer Registry of Norway leads several projects related to occupational and environmental exposures with extensive national and international collaboration, and our research has contributed to IARC's assessment of possible carcinogens.
In order to prevent cancer, it is crucial that we understand the causes of the disease. Historically, the causes of cancer were known several hundred years ago after observations and studies of cancer in various occupational groups. Right up until the 2000s, we have seen examples where the differences in disease incidence between an occupational group and the rest of the population were so clear that a connection between occupational exposure and disease was obvious.
Today, working life in Norway and Europe is generally much safer than it was 50 years ago. The differences between low and high exposure to possible carcinogens are usually smaller now than before, thanks to increased knowledge, better awareness and specific preventive regulatory measures, such as changes in limit values, national and EU-based restrictions, and physical measures such as improved protective equipment, increased use of robots and closed industrial processes. Nevertheless, there is still a need for vigilance, and not least more knowledge about whether cancer incidence changes after preventive measures.
Some known and possible carcinogenic influences in working life are also found in the environment around us all, such as radon, benzene, asbestos, exhaust and many of the “new” environmental toxins (synthetic chemical substances). Although exposure levels are usually lower than in working life, we are surrounded by the environment 24 hours a day, and it is important to assess the significance that the environment may have for the general population. Is there a measurable risk associated with exposure at low levels over a long period of time? Do we know enough about new substances that are used in industrial contexts to replace substances that have been banned? We are exploring such issues in several national and international projects.
Active projects
Today, the Cancer Registry of Norway leads several active projects within occupational and environmental epidemiological cancer research:
- Offshore workers
- The Nordic Occupational Cancer Study NOCCA - EU Joint Action
- 'Forever chemicals' (PFAS)
- Metals and cancer
- Firefighters
- Agricultural workers
- Environmental toxins
- Cancer risk and mortality Among Asphalt Workers