What Professions Are at the Highest Risk for Workplace Cancer?

Jobs That Have a High Risk of Cancer

The following professions have been linked to increased cancer rates due to long-term exposure to hazardous materials or environmental conditions.

Flight Attendants

Flight attendants are exposed to higher levels of cosmic ionizing radiation at cruising altitude. They also experience frequent disruption of their circadian rhythms due to long hours and changing time zones.

Studies have linked aircrew positions to higher rates of:

• Melanoma
  
• Breast cancer
  
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  
• Kaposi sarcoma

Pilots

Pilots face similar risks as flight attendants, including radiation exposure and sleep disruption. Research has suggested elevated risks of:

• Skin cancer
  
• Prostate cancer
  
• Leukemia

Night Shift Workers

Night shift work disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle and may reduce melatonin production. Melatonin helps regulate cell growth and suppress tumor development.

Industries that rely heavily on night shifts include healthcare, manufacturing, emergency services, and transportation. Studies suggest possible links between long-term night shift work and breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

Rubber Manufacturing Workers

Rubber manufacturing workers are exposed to chemical vapors and dust that may contain carcinogenic compounds. Long-term exposure has been associated with:

• Bladder cancer
  
• Stomach cancer
  
• Lung cancer
  
• Leukemia
  
• Lymphoma

Construction Workers

Construction workers frequently encounter asbestos, silica dust, and diesel exhaust. Renovating or demolishing older buildings increases asbestos exposure risk.

Asbestos exposure is strongly linked to:

• Mesothelioma
  
• Lung cancer
  
• Gastrointestinal cancers

Silica dust exposure has also been associated with lung cancer.

Agricultural Workers

Agricultural workers may be exposed to pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and engine exhaust. Prolonged sun exposure also increases skin cancer risk.

Research has connected agricultural chemical exposure to:

• Leukemia
  
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  
• Prostate cancer
  
• Multiple myeloma

Nail Salon Workers

Nail salon professionals may inhale fumes from chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. These substances are known carcinogens.

Potential risks include:

• Blood cancers
  
• Nasal cancers
  
• Skin cancers
  
• Lymphatic cancers

Repeated UV exposure from nail curing lamps may also contribute to skin damage over time.

Firefighters

Firefighters are routinely exposed to smoke, soot, and toxic combustion byproducts. Carcinogens can enter the body through inhalation and skin absorption.

Studies have shown elevated rates of:

• Lung cancer
  
• Prostate cancer
  
• Leukemia
  
• Esophageal cancer
  
• Multiple myeloma

Many states recognize certain cancers in firefighters as work-related under presumptive laws.

Mechanics

Auto mechanics may be exposed to benzene in gasoline, asbestos in brake components, and industrial solvents. Long-term exposure increases the risk of leukemia and other cancers.

Office Workers

Office workers may face health risks related to prolonged sitting, poor indoor air quality, or past exposure to secondhand smoke in older buildings. Sedentary work has been associated with increased risk of several chronic conditions, including some cancers.

Miners

Miners may be exposed to radon, uranium, asbestos, and silica dust. These substances are strongly linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Radon exposure is one of the leading causes of lung cancer worldwide.

What Causes Workplace Cancer?

Workplace cancer, also called occupational cancer, is cancer caused by exposure to harmful substances or dangerous conditions on the job. These exposures often happen over months or years, and symptoms may not appear until decades later.

Common workplace carcinogens include:

• Asbestos
  
• Benzene
  
• Diesel exhaust
  
• Pesticides and herbicides
  
• Silica dust
  
• Formaldehyde
  
• Radon gas
  
• Ionizing radiation

Because occupational cancer often develops slowly, proving the connection between your illness and your job can be legally complex.

Risk factors may include:

• Inadequate ventilation
  
• Lack of protective equipment
  
• Failure to follow safety regulations
  
• Long-term radiation exposure
  
• Employer negligence

Even low levels of exposure over many years can significantly increase cancer risk.

How to Reduce the Risk of Job-Related Cancers

While it may be impossible to entirely avoid all risks, you can reduce the chance of developing cancer with proper safety measures:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
  
• Limit sun exposure through sunscreen and protective gear if working outdoors.
  
• Take breaks to stand and move if your work involves long periods of sitting.
  
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including adequate sleep, balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol.

What to Do if You Develop Work-Related Cancer

If you believe your cancer may be related to workplace exposure, take action as soon as possible. Filing a workers’ compensation claim for an illness like cancer can be complex because it may be difficult to link the disease to workplace exposure. However, the following steps can help:

Get Medical Attention

Seek care from a qualified medical provider. Inform your doctor about your work history and any hazardous exposures.

Report the Illness to Your Employer

Once diagnosed, report your condition to your employer so they can begin necessary paperwork for a workers’ comp claim.

File Your Workers’ Comp Claim

You can file your workers’ compensation claim with your employer and the appropriate commission. Filing early improves your chances of success.

Gather Supporting Evidence

Collect medical records, doctors’ opinions, treatment bills, and details of working conditions that may have caused the illness.

Speak with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

A lawyer experienced in work-related illness claims can help you connect your cancer to workplace exposure and guide you through the legal process.

Can Your Employer Fire You if You Have Cancer?

You generally cannot be fired just because you have cancer. Eligible employees are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Family and Medical Leave Act. So long as you are able to perform your essential work tasks, you cannot be fired, even if you have to take time off work or need reasonable accommodations.

Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

If you developed cancer due to workplace exposure, you may be entitled to compensation for medical care, lost income, and disability benefits.

Workers’ compensation insurers often challenge occupational illness claims. An experienced attorney can investigate your exposure history, work with medical experts, and fight for the full benefits you are eligible to receive.

If your claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal. Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Workers’ Compensation FAQs

What’s Covered in a Workers’ Comp Claim?

Workers’ Compensation benefits covers medical bills, disability benefits, lost wages, and, in the event that the employee died from their work-related illness, death benefits for dependents.

What Is Not Covered by Workers’ Comp?

Injuries caused by the employee’s intoxication or self-inflicted harm, and generally damages for “pain and suffering” are not covered.

What if My Claim Is Denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you can appeal the decision with the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer.