Ss13-03 Work-Related Cancer in Finland

Introduction The aim of this study was to estimate the magnitude of the burden of work-related cancer in terms of fatalities in Finland during the year 2019. Additionally, it sought to compare these figures with the national statistics on occupational cancers 2005-2019. Materials and Methods Data on occupational illnesses and injuries were sourced from international organizations, institutions, and public websites. Population attributable fractions (PAF) for the various risk factor-outcome pairs were derived from literature. Reported and recognized occupational cancers registered during 2005-2019 were evaluated from the Finnish Register of Occupational Diseases (FROD). Results According to the latest estimates, there was a total of 1028 work-related cancer cases in Finland in 2019. They comprised 45% of all fatal cases of work-related diseases. In 2005-2019, a total of 2288 cancer cases were reported to the FROD. Of these, 1358 (59%, 153 cases/year on average) were recognized as occupational diseases. Lung cancer (44%) and mesothelioma (54%) were the most common cancer types. Altogether, 1328 recognized cases (98%) were related to asbestos exposure. Exposure to silica, wood dust, chromium, nickel and arsenic caused one to four cases each. Conclusions The compensation-based register (FROD) presents figures for work-related cancer that are approximately ten times smaller compared to estimates derived from scientific literature. The recognized cases are those that insurance companies have compensated as occupational diseases. However, the estimates provide a better national scope of the burden posed by work-related cancer. As the register-based data varies across different countries, the estimates offer a valuable avenue for international comparisons.