Sir,

Globally, owing to its universal presence, enormous impact on the variable domains of life (viz. associated morbidity, financial burden, quality of life, disability, and death), cancer has emerged as a significant public health concern. [1] In fact, current estimates suggest that 14.1 million new cancer cases and 8.2 million associated deaths have been reported in the year 2012, of which maximum contribution is from developing countries. [2],[3]

Furthermore, a study has depicted that approximately 20% of all forms of cancers are assigned to the environmental factor. [1] In addition, almost 900 potential carcinogens have been earmarked for their carcinogenic potential in the workplace. [2],[4] Both industrialized nations (probably because of exposure to environmental carcinogens for more than five decades) and low/middle income nations (owing to the less stringent enforcement of occupational health standards) have eventually contributed to the rising trend of occupational cancers. [5],[6] Moreover, diversified parameters such as environmental carcinogens (viz. asbestos, silica, arsenic, radiation, etc.,); [7] employment in cancer-prone industries; [8] exposure to unsafe equipments; [9] nonavailability of personal protective equipments; [9] poor awareness among workers about the occupational hazards; [9] attitude of physicians; [10] and nonexistence of practices like preplacement/periodic medical examinations; [9] have together contributed to the rising trends of occupational cancer.

Researchers have realized that the efforts of policy makers/health professionals are definitely inadequate to counter the rising incidence of the disease. [5] In fact, these potential risk factors indirectly provide opportunities to minimize the magnitude of the disease comprehensively. [4],[7],[8],[9] In addition, the problem is further complicated by parameters like inadequate funding, absence of a surveillance system to predict exact estimates, and dearth of scientific research, have also hampered the global efforts to combat the burden of occupational cancers. [9],[11],[12]

Owing to the multi-faceted nature of the problem, there is an immense need to formulate a holistic strategy that should have provisions to address all the potential determinants. [2],[3] This proposed strategy should be developed on the basis of findings of the case-surveillance system so as to guide for rational allocation of resources. [12] In addition, implementation of other interventions like establishing maximum permissible limits for carcinogenic chemicals; [2],[7] encouraging use of personal protective measures; [9] establishing pre-placement and periodic medical examination in industry; [9] enhancing awareness about occupational cancer among employees; [9] sensitizing medical practitioners regarding scope of carcinogenic elements; [10] expanding scope of social security/insurance; [9],[13] and facilitating research work to understand the patho-physiology of occupational cancers; [12],[14] can also be done to minimize the incidence of occupational cancer.

To conclude, owing to the rising trends of occupational cancer there is an indispensable need to develop evidence-based interventions to negate its influence on different domains of life.