First-of-its-kind program aims to reduce workplace cancer cases

In an ambitious and collaborative effort to combat workplace-related cancers, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has launched a groundbreaking research initiative that aims to significantly reduce the number of cancer cases caused by occupational exposures. This first-of-its-kind program, co-developed with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR) and various workers’ compensation boards and labour unions, is set to fund seven innovative research projects with a total investment of $1.38 million.

Dr. Stuart Edmonds, executive vice president of mission, research, and advocacy at CCS, explains the urgency and significance of this initiative: "Each year, an estimated 10,000 workers in Canada are diagnosed with occupational-related cancers. Many of these cancers could be avoided and prevented, which is why we established this research program to understand more about what could be causing these cancers and how to potentially fix these issues."

The CCS Workplace Cancer Research Grants: Preventing Occupational Cancers program stands out for its collaborative approach. Unlike previous efforts, this program actively involves 14 workers’ compensation boards and labour unions from across the country, ensuring that those directly affected by workplace cancers are at the forefront of the research. "The compensation boards and unions aren’t just funding the research; they’re rolling up their sleeves and being part of the projects as well," says Dr. Edmonds. "If we find exposures that may lead to cancers, these organizations can help to fix some of these issues and advocate for change."

The funded projects will address a variety of occupational cancer risks, including exposure to asbestos, solar UV, diesel exhaust, crystalline silica, radon, and the impacts of shift work. One notable project aims to reduce carcinogen exposure for dental workers, while another focuses on preventing cancer among the nearly one million Canadian workers exposed to diesel engine exhaust. Additionally, a project will investigate how gut bacteria changes might cause cancer in the 1.8 million night-shift workers in the country.

Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, underscores the importance of these research efforts. "No worker should be exposed to carcinogens at work or get cancer because of it," she asserts. "Workers are counting on this research to improve our understanding of how to eliminate the risks of workplace cancers, so we can live in a world where work is truly safe, and where no one suffers as a result of doing their job."

Dr. Edmonds is particularly enthusiastic about the rigorous selection process that led to the funding of these projects. "We had a call out to our entire research community in Canada, and they put in their best proposals to address the issues of occupational cancer risk," he explains. "We then assembled a panel of Canadian and international experts to select the most feasible and impactful projects. These seven projects went through a very rigorous selection process and have great potential to change what we know about occupational cancer exposure."

The initiative also represents a significant step forward in creating a community of researchers dedicated to occupational cancer prevention. "We’ve invested a significant amount of funding into occupational cancer through various organizations in the past," says Dr. Edmonds. "What’s different about this program is that we’re not just funding research; we’re creating a community of researchers who are well-equipped to address these issues and engage organizations that can help implement the findings."

As the research progresses, the hope is that these projects will lead to the development of robust and equitable cancer prevention guidelines for Canada’s diverse workforce. "Understanding the science behind workplace-related cancers is key to developing these guidelines," says Dr. Fei-Fei Liu, Scientific Director of CIHR-ICR. "We’re thrilled to be co-investing in this important initiative that aims to support cancer prevention research and a future without workplace-related cancers."

Looking forward, Dr. Edmonds emphasizes the transformative potential of this program. "If we find linkages between occupational risks and cancer, we can quickly move to implement policies to manage those risks," he says. "This gives us a leg up on reducing exposure and ultimately saving lives."

The CCS Workplace Cancer Research Grants program is poised to make a significant impact on the future of occupational health in Canada. By bringing together the research community, labour movement, and compensation boards, this initiative aims to ensure that no worker has to face the devastating consequences of workplace-related cancer.