Occupation statistics

Conducted by the Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), the Burden of Occupational Cancer Study estimates the burden of cancer due to occupational exposures in Canada. The study’s findings were published in a report looking at the 13 work-related risk factors that contribute the most to the occupational cancer burden in Canada. These risk factors include exposure to asbestos, UV radiation from the sun, second-hand smoke and night shift work.

Led by principal investigator Dr Paul Demers, the study was funded by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). OCRC is jointly funded by CCS, Cancer Care Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Labour and was developed in collaboration with the United Steel workers. CCS has been funding OCRC since its inception in 2009, including a $1.4 million investment between 2014 and 2020.

About 10,000 cancer cases in Canada are due to exposure to cancer-causing substances in the workplace each year.

Solar radiation, asbestos, diesel engine exhaust and crystalline silica have the largest estimated impact on cancer burden related to workplace risk exposure. The highest number of Canadian workers are exposed to these substances.

This research provides data and evidence-based recommendations that could help guide future prevention and advocacy efforts to reduce the cancer burden in Canada and help more people avoid a cancer diagnosis. There are many opportunities to reduce the burden of occupational cancer in Canada. Through policy changes and workplace-based measures, we can limit exposure to these risk factors and prevent occupational cancers across the country.