Patterns in medical surveillance of workers exposed to lung carcinogens

One of the most common causes of lung cancer is exposure to occupational carcinogens. Free silica, diesel exhaust fumes, dyes, radon and with asbestos at the top of the list, differ by percentage according to the predominant professional activities in each country. The occupational health doctor is directly involved in the surveillance of the exposed worker, during work or post exposure, in the diagnosis and reporting of occupational cancers. Efficient screening followed by reporting and monitoring cases of occupational lung cancer and, last but not least, reintegration into professional activity are important steps in the medical surveillance of the worker exposed to occupational lung carcinogens. Standardised information collected at the level of occupational exposure monitoring systems, separated by carcinogen category and profession, may form the basis of control and prevention plans. Harmonising medical surveillance at European and global level can lead to a decrease in the incidence and mortality of work-related lung cancer.