e23354 Background: Occupational cancer is a significant yet under-recognized public health issue. While work-related exposures account for approximately 2-8% of all cancer cases in some developed countries, the real incidence in many low- and middle-income countries remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the reporting frequency and the epidemiological profile of occupational cancer notifications in Brazil. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, national observational study using the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), the official national database for mandatory notification of occupational cancer. Eligibility criteria included all cancer cases officially registered as work-related, from 2010 to 2024. Variables included patient demographics, work-exposure agents, and primary site of cancer, which were analyzed across three 5-year periods. The primary objective was to evaluate the absolute frequency and temporal trends of occupational cancer notifications over the 15-year period. Results: From 2010 to 2024, a total of 7,364 occupational cancer cases were registered. Notifications increased significantly over time, from 540 (2010-2014) to 4,993 (2020-2024). Most patients were male (69.2%), white (68.0%), and aged 50-79 years (73.1%), with 38% being current or former smokers. Skin cancer was the most prevalent cancer diagnosis (38.7%), with non-ionizing radiation being the leading work-exposure identified (34.6%). Other frequent sites included gastrointestinal (9.0%), genitourinary (7.3%), and lung (5.9%). Furthermore, work-exposure agents also included hydrocarbons (8.6%), benzene (7.4%), free silica (6.5%), ionizing radiation (5.7%), and asbestos (5.5%). Conclusions: A significant increase in occupational cancer notifications has been observed in Brazil, suggesting progressive improvement in system sensitivity. Skin cancer was the most frequent work-related cancer registered, with non-ionizing radiation being the major occupational exposure. Findings should be interpreted in light of potential underreporting, highlighting the need for further public policies to continuously improve the quality of national health registries and, ultimately, to ensure effective health prevention strategies for workers. Notifications of occupational cancer in Brazil by site and occupational exposure (2010-2024). Category Variables (n) 2010-2014 2015-2019 2020-2024 Total Overall Notifications 540 1,831 4,993 7,364 Cancer site Skin 294 652 1,907 2,853 Gastrointestinal 27 221 411 659 Genitourinary 12 188 338 538 Lung 25 87 319 431 Exposure Non-ionizing radiation 270 450 1,828 2,548 Hydrocarbons 49 152 430 631 Benzene 33 112 399 544 Free silica 33 112 332 477
Gomes et al. (Thu,) studied this question.