World Lung Cancer Day 2020

This year, the 1^st of August marks World Lung Cancer Day. The aim of the day is to raise awareness of lung cancer and its devastating effects, as well its risks and the importance of early detection and treatment.

It is estimated that lung cancer accounts for nearly one in five cancer deaths across the globe, with around 35,300 deaths per year in the UK alone.[1] That’s 97 people dying every day. A significant proportion of lung cancer cases are caused by past exposure to hazardous substances and carcinogens at work. In their most recent report (2018-19), the HSE released the following statistics:

• Each year, 12,000 deaths are caused by occupational lung diseases, including both Asbestos-related lung cancer and non-asbestos related lung cancer.
• 18,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems caused or made worse by work each year have been reported over the last three years according the Labour Force Survey.
• Over 75,000 workers are exposed to welding fumes, with around 152 deaths per year from fume-related lung cancer according to the HSE website.
• HSE’s most recent cancer burden report puts the number of lung cancer deaths associated with exposure to RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) at around 600 deaths per year with 450 of these occurring from exposures in the construction sector.

As Cancer Research UK cites that 79% lung cancer cases are preventable[2], raising awareness of the disease and these shocking figures is vital.

To learn more about the lung cancer and the hazards that cause it, RVT has plenty of free educational resources available. By using these resources and encouraging your network to learn more, you will help to raise awareness of this devastating disease.

Our best practice guides break down the hazard control process into easy to follow stages, and guide you through the safe setting up, maintaining and dismantling of your hazard control systems. With these detailed and straightforward instructions, you will be able to provide effective control solutions that will keep your workers safe. We also have numerous whitepapers available for download with key information about hazards linked to lung cancer. Here is a selection of our resources:

Best Practice Guide to Effective Dust Control

Best Practice Guide to Effective Ventilation

Best Practice Guide to Effective Fume Control

Understanding the Dangers of Construction Dust

Welding Fume: The Health Hazards

Raising Awareness - The Impact of Diesel Fumes

Understanding the Dangers of Radon Gas

Understanding the Dangers of Benzene

You can find out more about World Lung Cancer Day here

[1] Cancer Research UK, 2017.

[2] Cancer Research UK, 2015.