Cancer is a leading cause of death that affects millions of people around the world. It is estimated that one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Unfortunately, some individuals working in certain professions are at an increased risk of developing this devastating disease, and construction workers are one of them.
Construction worker cancer rates are an increasingly urgent topic that can’t be overlooked. Recent studies have revealed some alarming results and sparked a pressing discussion about this issue. The disturbing data that has been collected on this topic supports the need for more preventative health plans and regular health screenings for cancer and other diseases, especially if you are or were a construction worker.
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What is the cancer rate for construction workers?
One study examined predictors of lung cancer mortality among construction workers. It identified that the risk of death from lung cancer from five years of work in the industry was at 86%. A subsequent study analyzed 110,937 lung cancer cases between 1988 and 2007 from the California Cancer Registry. The results indicated that construction workers were found to have a significantly elevated risk for lung cancer, with roofers and welders having the highest risk.
It is also reported that every year there are more than 3,000 new cases of skin cancer related to working in construction. This number is said to be on track to double by 2060 unless significant changes are made. These changes aren’t restricted to just altering the conditions related to construction work but also advocating for more individuals in the industry to seek preventative health plans and health screenings to address the issue.
Are construction workers at a higher risk for cancer?
Due to chemical exposure and other hazardous conditions related to the construction industry, construction workers are at an increased risk for cancers such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and melanoma, when compared to the general public. This conclusion is well supported by clinical studies regarding construction cancer rates from a number of reputable sources. This increased risk demonstrates the need for early health scans and early cancer detection to address the risks related to the profession and construction worker cancer.
Related: What is Lung Cancer Screening?
Why do construction workers get a higher average of radiation?
Construction cancer rates are the result of exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos, diesel exhaust, certain solvents, organic and inorganic compounds, and solar radiation, as well as other cancer-causing toxins and carcinogens. Some common cancer-causing agents include the following:
Asbestos: Asbestos, a cancer-causing carcinogenic, is the leading cause of death among construction workers. Even if workers didn’t directly come in contact with this toxin, they are at risk due to the potential for high concentrations of airborne asbestos. Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma and lung cancer. Mesothelioma, a fatal cancer, can lay dormant for decades before developing, which is why it is such a prevalent concern in recent years.
Silica: Silica is a natural substance found in most rocks, sand, and clay — all common construction materials. Inhaling the dust containing silica can result in traces making their way into the lungs and creating health complications. Heavy and prolonged exposure to silica can cause cancer and other serious lung diseases.
Radiation: Repeated sun exposure is a common occurrence among construction workers. This exposure to solar radiation has been found to significantly contribute to the development of melanoma and other skin cancers.
Diesel exhaust: Diesel exhaust has been recognized as a potential occupational carcinogen. Multiple studies have indicated a relationship between diesel fumes and several forms of cancers of the bladder, esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.
Related: Lung CT Scans
Benefits of preventative health plans and regular health screenings
Data shows that construction workers are at a significantly higher risk of developing cancer as a result of the hazardous materials from the environment they work in daily. It is essential that construction workers obtain a preventative health plan and regular health screenings to maintain their health. Preventative health plans can help address the hazards of their occupation to reduce the risk of exposure and the development of cancer. Prevention is the best option to ensure positive outcomes.
Early detection plays an immensely profound role in preventing the onset of cancer as it allows medical professionals more time to intervene through targeted treatments rather than resorting to harsher alternatives such as chemotherapy and radiation treatment after the fact. Earlier detection means more options and more effective treatment.
In conclusion, we should be proactive in educating these workers about risks associated with their occupation and encourage them to seek appropriate medical plans and screenings. Receiving these life-saving resources can allow us to reduce the number of fatalities due to cancer among construction workers.
Book your non-invasive CT Scan and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve by addressing your health directly.
Sources:
Calvert, GM, et al. (2012). Lung cancer risk among construction workers in California, 1988-2007.
Causes and Prevention of Cancer in the Construction Industry. (2018).
Dement, J. et al. (2019). Lung cancer mortality among construction workers: implications for early detection.
Skin cancer risk for construction workers. (2019).
What is Cancer? (2022).
