When you think of hazardous occupations, what may come to mind is military, law enforcement, or firefighter. An occupation most wouldn’t categorize as hazardous is a painter; however, you’ll be surprised to know that there are more dangers to this seemingly harmless occupation than you think.
The hazards of being a painter are much more subtle but just as threatening. The kind of dangers we are discussing can only be seen with the help of medical technology. We are referring to cancer and the devastating effects it has on the individual and their loved ones.
If you are or ever have been a painter, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment to develop a preventative health plan and discuss getting screened for cancer and other diseases.
What is the cancer rate for painters?
The link between cancer and painters is well documented. Painters are at a significantly increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The findings are based on nearly 3,000 cases and 41 studies. The conclusion was that painter cancer rates regarding bladder cancer were 30% higher than average. The increased rates of cancer risks don’t stop there, unfortunately.
The development of bladder cancer is not the only painter-associated cancer individuals in this profession need to worry about. Painter cancer rates are also considerably higher than average for lung cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and mesothelioma. Studies are still being conducted and new discoveries are being made supporting these facts to indicate the prevalence of this issue.
Related: Las Vegas Lung CT Scans
Are painters at a higher risk for cancer?
The well-documented consensus among the medical community is that painters are at an undeniably higher risk for developing some form of cancer. The hazards associated with working as a painter are significant and have equally considerable adverse consequences. This increased risk for cancer associated with this trade indicates the urgency for more proactive steps to protect the health of painters.
The construction painter cancer rate is especially noteworthy, as these individuals receive the highest exposure to hazardous chemicals and unsafe elements in their work environment. Taking the appropriate measures to protect yourself from the hazards of your occupation may seem inconvenient. However, the consequences of not taking action could be monumental to your health.
Schedule your preventative scan today at the Preventative Diagnostic Center.
Why do painters get cancer?
The role of a painter is classified as a group one carcinogen due to the correlation between the occupation and lung cancer, urinary bladder cancer, and mesothelioma. This relationship is due to the high volume of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in paints and related products.
Paint is composed of several volatile organic compounds known for their relation to cancer development such as:
- Benzene
- Toluene
- Ethylbenzene
- Xylene
Not only do these VOCs pose a risk of contributing to the development of cancer but so do halocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons, which are also present in paint. The daily prolonged exposure to these toxic compounds is supported by evidence as the main reason painters develop cancer. The longer and more frequent the exposure, the higher the risk of developing cancer.
If you have a history of prolonged and/or frequent exposure to paint, schedule your preventative health scan today.
Benefits of a proactive approach to your health
Many individuals neglect the need for a proactive approach regarding their health because the process can seem inconvenient or unnecessary. However, the consequences of not being proactive could be far more inconvenient and have life-threatening results. It is easy to push this process to the side because you may feel healthy, but cancer is a threat that can develop and spread without symptoms until it is too late for effective treatment.
The benefits of a proactive approach to your health are immeasurable and can make a monumental impact on your future well-being. Medical professionals can assist in the creation and implementation of a preventative health plan and schedule regular screenings to help reduce your risk of cancer.
If you are a painter, there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself from the hazardous conditions of your profession as well as ensure early detection in the event you find that you have cancer. Prevention and early detection are your greatest weapons against this devastating diagnosis. The benefits of seeking a preventative health plan and health screening far outweigh the negatives.
Make your health a priority and book your non-invasive CT scan now.
References:
Callingham, F. (2022). Cancer: How exposure to paint could increase your risk – ‘Carcinogenic’.
Guha, N. et al. (2021). Lung cancer risk in painters: results from the SYNERGY pooled case–control study consortium.
Painting health risks. (2022).
