The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified more than 165 agents as carcinogenic (cancerous) to humans, many of which exist in workplaces across industries. Occupational exposure to these agents contributes to an estimated 3 to 6 percent of all cancer cases globally, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). That percentage translates to hundreds of thousands of diagnoses each year, many of which involve preventable exposures.
Here, New Hope Unlimited identifies professions with elevated cancer risk. We explain the types of carcinogens involved, the cancers associated with each job type, and the research supporting these links. The goal is to help professionals, employers, regulators, and healthcare providers recognize exposure risks early and apply strategies that reduce long-term harm.
What Is Occupational Cancer? A Comprehensive Explanation
Also known as workplace cancer or work-related cancer, such cases result from prolonged exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. These agents may be physical, chemical, or biological, and their effects vary by dose, frequency, and exposure route. Occupational exposures account for a measurable portion of global cancer incidence, and yet they remain underrecognized due to latency, underreporting, and insufficient workplace surveillance.
Routes of Exposure
Cancer-causing agents in the workplace enter the body through the following pathways:
- Inhalation: Workers inhale airborne carcinogens such as asbestos fibers, diesel exhaust, silica dust, and chemical vapors. Respiratory exposure is the most common route in industrial and construction environments.
- Dermal absorption: Liquids or dusts containing carcinogens can pass through the skin. Workers in manufacturing, agriculture, and chemical handling face this type of exposure during contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.
- Ingestion: Contaminated hands, food, or beverages allow substances to enter the digestive tract.
Some occupations involve multiple exposure pathways simultaneously. For example, a welder may inhale metal fumes, absorb solvents through the skin, and ingest residues on unwashed hands during breaks.
Common Types of Occupational Carcinogens
Carcinogens in the workplace fall into three broad categories:
Chemical agents, including:
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- Asbestos (linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer)
- Benzene (linked to leukemia)
- Formaldehyde (linked to nasopharyngeal cancer)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (linked to bladder and lung cancer)
- Vinyl chloride (linked to liver angiosarcoma)
- Ethylene oxide (linked to lymphoid and breast cancer)
Physical agents, including:
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- Ionizing radiation (linked to thyroid, breast, and bone marrow cancers)
- Ultraviolet radiation (linked to skin cancers, including melanoma)
- Radon gas (linked to lung cancer)
Biological exposures, including:
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- Hepatitis B and C viruses in healthcare and laboratory settings (linked to liver cancer)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) in certain service industries (linked to oropharyngeal and cervical cancers)
In some cases, mixtures of substances heighten risk. Painters, for instance, encounter multiple solvents and heavy metals, which compound the carcinogenic load over time.
Known and Suspected Carcinogens
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies carcinogens based on the strength of evidence:
- Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans
- Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans
- Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans
Asbestos, benzene, and ultraviolet radiation belong to Group 1. Substances like glyphosate and shift work with circadian disruption fall under Group 2A. These classifications come from extensive epidemiologic studies, animal experiments, and mechanistic data.
Latency Periods and Challenges in Attribution
The interval between exposure and disease onset ranges from 10 to 40 years. For instance, most cases of mesothelioma develop 20 to 50 years after coming into contact with asbestos for the first time. This delay complicates diagnosis and makes it difficult to connect present disease with past occupational exposure. Workers may change jobs or retire long before symptoms develop. By then, treatment options may already be limited.
Furthermore, many occupational cancers mirror those resulting from lifestyle or environmental factors, such as tobacco use or air pollution. This overlap leads to misattribution, underreporting, and limited surveillance in occupational health systems. Only a small fraction of cases undergo formal recognition as work-related diseases.
Top Professions with the Highest Risk of Workplace Cancer
Work-related cancer risk varies by occupation, substance exposure, work environment, and duration of contact. Some professions involve daily interaction with known carcinogens, while others expose workers to conditions that alter physiological systems over time.
The following occupations have the highest cancer toll based on current research and international agency classifications.
1. Construction Workers
Construction workers encounter multiple carcinogenic exposures due to building materials, machinery emissions, and worksite contaminants.
Known Hazards
- Asbestos in older structures and insulation
- Silica dust from cutting, grinding, or drilling stone and concrete
- Diesel exhaust from heavy equipment
- Bitumen and tar products during roofing and paving
Associated Cancers
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Bladder cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
Risk Context
Demolition, renovation, and excavation projects pose higher exposure levels. Inadequate respiratory protection and poor dust control increase cancer risk. Many diagnoses occur decades after exposure due to the long latency of asbestos- and silica-related diseases.
2. Firefighters
Firefighters face carcinogenic exposure when buildings burn and release toxic compounds from plastics, insulation, treated wood, and other synthetic materials.
Known Hazards
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Asbestos fibers in older buildings
- Diesel exhaust from fire engines
- Volatile organic compounds in smoke
- Flame retardants and combustion byproducts
Associated Cancers
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Bladder cancer
- Multiple myeloma
Risk Context
The IARC reclassified firefighting as carcinogenic to humans in 2022. Contaminated gear and enclosed vehicle cabins prolong contact long after extinguishing a fire. These professionals can also absorb carcinogens during training exercises, equipment maintenance, and cleanup procedures, where contaminated gear, vehicles, and surfaces release residual chemicals after extinguishing active fires.
3. Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals, most especially those in radiation-based imaging, surgical oncology, or chemotherapy administration, perform duties under repeated exposure to ionizing radiation and cytotoxic compounds.
Known Hazards
- Ionizing radiation from diagnostic imaging
- Ethylene oxide from sterilization equipment
- Cytotoxic drugs used in chemotherapy
- Formaldehyde used in pathology and laboratory preservation
Associated Cancers
- Breast cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphomas
Risk Context
Radiologic technologists and interventional cardiologists operate near X-ray machines and fluoroscopic systems. Repeated low-dose radiation raises cancer risk over time. Oncology nurses handling chemotherapeutic drugs can absorb traces through skin or inhale drug aerosols during preparation or disposal.
4. Industrial and Manufacturing Workers
Laborers in chemical plants, metal fabrication, plastics, and rubber production regularly come into contact with carcinogens that affect hematologic, respiratory, and urinary systems.
Known Hazards
- Benzene in chemical processing and petroleum refining
- Formaldehyde in resin manufacturing
- Vinyl chloride in plastics production
- Heavy metals, including cadmium, chromium, and arsenic
- Aniline dyes and aromatic amines in rubber and textile industries
Associated Cancers
- Leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Lung cancer
- Liver angiosarcoma
Risk Context
Bladder cancer rates among rubber manufacturing workers remain high decades after exposure ends. Vinyl chloride causes angiosarcoma, a rare but aggressive form of liver cancer linked to workplace exposure. Benzene, acknowledged as a Group 1 carcinogen, continues to appear in petrochemical processing, though exposure limits have narrowed.
5. Agricultural Workers
Farming populations work in environments where pesticide exposure, fumigant contact, and equipment emissions are generally inevitable during planting, pesticide application, and harvest across fields and greenhouses where protective measures remain limited.
Known Hazards
- Glyphosate and other herbicides
- Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides
- Fumigants such as chloropicrin
- Diesel fumes from tractors and machinery
- Sun exposure and UV radiation
Associated Cancers
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
- Multiple myeloma
Risk Context
The Agricultural Health Study, led by the National Cancer Institute and other U.S. agencies, observed a link between long-term glyphosate exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Manual pesticide application without proper protection further increases absorption through the skin. Chronic sunlight exposure adds risk for melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
6. Miners
Underground mining exposes laborers to toxins released during drilling, blasting, and transport in confined excavation sites.
Known Hazards
- Radon gas in uranium and other underground mines
- Silica dust from drilling and crushing
- Diesel exhaust from underground vehicles
- Asbestos in asbestos-containing rock layers
Associated Cancers
- Lung cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
Risk Context
Radon is a radioactive gas that amasses in poorly ventilated mines. Inhaled particles lodge in the lungs and irradiate surrounding tissue. As for silica dust, exposure triggers inflammatory responses in pulmonary tissue, raising cancer risk over time. Uranium miners have also reported high lung cancer rates, especially in operations lacking proper ventilation systems.
7. Hair Stylists and Barbers
Hairdressers mix and apply hair products that contain suspected or confirmed carcinogens in confined indoor spaces.
Known Hazards
- Aromatic amines in permanent hair dyes
- Formaldehyde in hair straightening treatments
- Solvents and dyes in bleaches and colorants
Associated Cancers
- Bladder cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
Risk Context
The IARC classifies occupational exposure as a hairdresser or barber as a probable carcinogen to humans. Prolonged use of permanent dyes and chemical straighteners, along with poor salon ventilation, compounds exposure. Many begin working in salons during adolescence, leading to years of repeated exposure to permanent dyes, relaxers, and other chemical treatments.
8. Nail Salon Workers
Similar to hairdressers and barbers, nail artists work with chemical products in enclosed indoor environments with limited ventilation. Daily tasks involve prolonged contact with glues, polishes, removers, acrylic powders, and UV-curing devices.
Known Hazards
- Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in nail products
- Acetone and other volatile solvents
- Ultraviolet light from curing lamps
- Fine particulate matter during nail filing and acrylic shaping
Associated Cancers
- Lung cancer
- Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Lymphohematopoietic cancers
- Skin cancer
Risk Context
A study involving nail technicians revealed patterns of prolonged inhalation and dermal contact with harmful substances. The researchers concluded that the presence of certain chemicals in nail salons were comparable to those in auto garages and oil refineries.
9. Night Shift Employees
Working at night disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, which alters hormone levels and weakens immune defense against abnormal cell growth.
Known Hazards
- Chronic exposure to artificial light during biological sleep hours
- Disruption of melatonin production and circadian gene expression
Associated Cancers
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Risk Context
The IARC classifies shift work involving circadian disruption as a probable carcinogen. Studies among nurses and flight attendants reveal heightened breast cancer incidence in those who worked night shifts for extended periods. Mechanistic links include suppressed melatonin, altered estrogen metabolism, and impaired DNA repair.
10. Land and Air Transport Personnel
Long-haul drivers, railway operators, and airline crew spend long hours in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation and exposure to combustion-related particles or radiation.
Known Hazards
- Diesel exhaust from freight trucks, locomotives, and shipping vessels
- Cosmic ionizing radiation for flight crew
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in engine fumes
Associated Cancers
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Melanoma
- Breast cancer, especially in female flight attendants
Risk Context
Repeated exposure to diesel exhaust raises the risk of lung and bladder cancer among truck drivers and railroad workers. These professionals operate in enclosed cabins where combustion particles accumulate over time. For airline crew, cancer risk stems from frequent high-altitude flights, which increase exposure to cosmic ionizing radiation. Among flight attendants and pilots, studies have linked this exposure to higher rates of melanoma and breast cancer, regardless of lifestyle and socioeconomic factors.
11. Painters
Without proper protective gear, painters inhale volatile solvents and chemical additives released as fumes, along with airborne particles from metal-based pigments, all of which concentrate in confined spaces during application.
Known Hazards
- Organic solvents in paint thinners and cleaning agents
- Benzene and toluene in coatings
- Heavy metals like lead and chromium in pigments
Associated Cancers
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
Risk Context
Painters who wear protective gear and use low-VOC formulations have a lower risk of certain cancers, especially if they work in regulated environments. However, hazardous exposure continues in older facilities and unregulated worksites.
Documented cancer risk appears across these occupations due to exposure patterns confirmed through toxicologic and epidemiologic evidence. Reduction in incidence requires enforcement of exposure limits, consistent health surveillance, and continued research.
How to Minimize the Risk of Workplace Cancers
Cancer prevention in occupational settings requires multiple interventions at the regulatory, institutional, and individual levels. No single strategy eliminates all risk, but combined efforts can reduce exposure and support early detection. Employers, regulatory agencies, and workers each hold responsibility for minimizing contact with carcinogenic agents.
1. Improve Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
Ventilation and containment systems limit airborne hazards by isolating or removing carcinogens at their source. These equipment include local exhaust ventilation, sealed chemical systems, and air filtration units. Enclosed cabins on mining or construction machinery lower exposure to diesel exhaust and fine dust. In laboratories and salons, well-designed fume hoods and filtered ventilation systems prevent inhalation of toxic vapors.
Administrative controls reduce cumulative exposure by adjusting schedules, rotating assignments, and limiting time spent in hazardous zones. For example, assigning fewer night shifts to healthcare workers or flight crews can lower the impact of circadian disruption. In industrial settings, routine air monitoring and maintenance protocols detect contamination before it reaches harmful levels.
2. Provide Adequate Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, gloves, protective eyewear, and chemically resistant clothing must correspond to the specific hazard and remain in functional condition. By way of illustration, disposable nitrile gloves do not block all chemicals, and respirator cartridges lose effectiveness if not replaced on schedule. Employers must conduct fit testing and confirm that PPE selection takes into account the employee’s tasks and the toxicologic properties of each substance handled.
3. Support Medical Surveillance and Early Detection
Targeted medical screening identifies early signs of cancer in exposed workers. Lung function tests, dermatologic exams, and bloodwork detect abnormalities before symptoms appear. Employers and occupational health providers must design screening protocols based on the type and duration of exposure. For instance, employees exposed to vinyl chloride should receive liver function panels, while those in radiology departments may benefit from regular thyroid imaging.
Baseline health assessments, followed by periodic evaluations, help establish exposure-related trends. Documentation of work history and symptom tracking enables faster diagnosis if cancer develops. Workers must receive education on how to report symptoms early and access follow-up care through employer-supported programs or labor health services.
4. Enhance Worker Training and Reporting Systems
Training programs must explain how exposures occur, what substances are present, and how to follow safety procedures. Labels, hazard communication sheets, and safety protocols should use plain language and reflect workplace-specific risks. Workers need instructions not only on how to use protective gear, but also on how to recognize when control systems fail.
Reporting systems that respond promptly to complaints and exposure incidents increase accountability. Whistleblower protections ensure that workers can report unsafe conditions without retaliation. Effective reporting supports faster corrections and better enforcement by occupational safety authorities.
5. Address Inequities in High-Risk Occupations
Workers in informal sectors or small-scale operations may lack basic protections. Salon staff, agricultural laborers, and independent contractors, for example, may operate without access to proper ventilation, PPE, or medical screening. Outreach programs from local governments, labor unions, or nonprofit organizations can reduce disparities by offering training, safety equipment, and screening services to underserved groups.
The Bottom Line on Occupational Cancer Risks Across Industries
Work-related cancer continues to affect people across construction, manufacturing, firefighting, mining, healthcare, aviation, and personal services. Risk reduction, and possibly prevention, is possible through exposure control, protective equipment, medical surveillance, and consistent enforcement. The information in this article applies year-round, not only during National Safety Month and Professional Awareness Month.
Where to Get Treatment for Occupational Cancer
As soon as you notice symptoms of an illness, consult a medical professional. If you receive a cancer diagnosis, contact New Hope Unlimited to discuss integrative treatment options. Our licensed medical team develops personalized cancer care plans that support the body’s healing process through a combination of conventional and alternative therapies. For more information or to speak with a patient care coordinator, call 480-666-1403.