Are you at risk? 20 occupations that might give you cancer

The prospect of a cancer diagnosis is frightening enough. But it’s also frightening to learn that your work might be putting you at higher risk of developing cancer than the general population.

In fact, it’s estimated that in Australia, over 5,000 new cases of cancer are caused by occupational exposures to carcinogens every year.

How work can cause cancer

Some workplace carcinogens are well known. But others can be more surprising. A great number of dusts, fumes and chemicals can cause cancer. Carcinogens can increase the cancer risk for a huge range of jobs, from the production of important resources like iron and rubber, all the way to hairdressing.

But there are other forms of workplace activity that can increase cancer risks. Working outdoors can increase the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure. Some research even suggests that particular work patterns – like shift work – can be linked to increased cancer risk.

Some occupations and industries have been identified as having a higher risk of developing cancer. Here’s a list of twenty.

Jobs and industries with a higher risk of contracting cancer

1. Boot and shoe manufacture and repair
2. Chimney sweeping
3. Furniture and cabinet-making
4. Roofing
5. Hairdresser or barber
6. Firefighters
7. Painting
8. Pesticide applicators
9. Aluminium production
10. Auramine manufacture
11. Coal-tar distillation
12. Coke production
13. Haematite mining, underground with radon exposure
14. Iron and steel founding
15. Isopropanol manufactured by strong-acid process
16. Magenta manufacture
17. Rubber manufacturing industry
18. Carbon electrode manufacture
19. Petroleum refining
20. Manufacture of art glass, glass containers, and pressed ware

But that’s not all.

Other jobs may be a risk

There are other jobs that may be a risk.

In addition to the 20 occupations listed above, as of February 2021, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified over 210 cancer-causing agents that workers are potentially being exposed to in their workplace.

Exposures include:

• combustion products such as engine exhaust and diesel
• inorganic dusts including asbestos and silica, welding fumes and lead
• organic dusts including leather and wood dusts
• several metals
• radiation
• acids 
• hydrocarbons

What should you do if you have been exposed to carcinogens at work?

If you’ve worked in a workplace where you have been exposed to carcinogens and you’re concerned that you may be at risk, it’s important to get a medical examination. Book in to see your GP and inform them of your occupation and exposure levels.

Any person who works in industries with exposure to dust, chemicals and/or gasses should get regular medical examinations and be monitored for signs and symptoms of disease.

Why you might need legal advice

Those affected by occupational cancers deserve to be compensated for their losses. That can include compensation for loss of wages, medical and other expenses, and pain and suffering.

It is essential to get legal advice to help you understand your rights and options if you have been diagnosed with a disease that your work contributed to and/or increased the risk of you developing.

At Maurice Blackburn, we have a specialised team of lawyers that offer free first consultations and can assist you with any workplace disease claim you may have – no win, no fee. Call us today on 1800 111 222.