Cancer is the main cause of work-related deaths in the European Union (EU). It is estimated that around 120,000 people in Europe develop cancer each year as a result of exposure to carcinogens in the workplace, causing almost 80,000 deaths. These cancers are often caused by failures to identify the presence of carcinogens in the workplace and to comply with occupational risk prevention regulations.
In Spain, it is estimated that 8,700 men and 850 women die annually from cancers caused by occupational exposure (Ministry of Health, 2020). However, the number of cancers recognised as occupational diseases represents only a small fraction of the total, meaning the majority remain hidden under the category of common illness. In this context , the link between cancer and work remains largely invisible. And behind these figures, we must not forget that there are people who, because of their work, have developed cancer, a disease that causes great suffering and affects their quality of life and that of their families .
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (INSST), O.A., M.P., in its role as National Reference Centre of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), is organising this conference in conjunction with the OSH Spanish Network (RESST). The conference is part of the promotional activities for the Working Environment Survey on cancer risk factors in Europe (WES).
The project aims to improve identification of the main cancer risk factors, providing information to assist in the development of preventive measures, awareness-raising initiatives, and policies to combat occupational cancer. The conference will raise awareness of work-related cancer and emphasise the need for action on issues such as identifying risk factors and adopting preventive measures to protect workers.
Conference Details
- Date: 18/06/2026
- Time: 10:00 – 14:00
- Format: Online
- Moderator: Elena Malavía Postigo, INSST
- Subtitles: English
