Protecting Workers From Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men in Canada. Despite its high prevalence, its causes remain poorly understood. While certain risk factors, such as age and genetics, are well established, the role of workplace exposures has been much less studied.
Identifying occupational exposures
The project led by Jeavana Sritharan, at the Occupational Cancer Research Centre, aims to better understand the role of workplace exposures in the risk of prostate cancer among Canadian workers. It uses data from a large national study with over 20,000 cancer cases, including nearly 1,700 men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The study, supported by the Cancer Research Society (CRS), examines participants’ lifetime occupational histories as well as various behavioral and lifestyle risk factors related to prostate cancer. The study evaluates up to 258 agents, including chemicals, along with some biological and physical hazards found in various occupational settings that may be associated with prostate cancer risk based on existing literature.
By analyzing these data, the project seeks to identify which exposures may be linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer and to improve our understanding of the relationship between work environments and workers’ health.
Thank you to Cancer Research Society for supporting this unique project. Often, work-related factors are overlooked, and we appreciate the consideration and funding opportunity to bring this project to life. We hope that this research will make a significant difference in understanding the etiology of prostate cancer, raising awareness of the role of occupation in cancer risk, and contributing to the prevention of prostate cancer. We hope that this project will make a difference to all Canadians who are impacted by prostate cancer.
Your impact
CRS funds projects that help improve our understanding of cancer risk factors and take action before the disease develops. The results of this research will help guide workplace prevention strategies, inform health and safety measures, and ultimately reduce cancers linked to occupational exposures. Thanks to the support of the CRS and its donors, this knowledge can help protect workers’ health and prevent certain types of cancer.
Project Title: Occupational Exposure and Rish of Prostate Cancer among Working Canadians
Ontario
2024-2026,
$130,000
Project co-funded with
