"It is estimated that there are approximately 1.3 million cancer deaths in the European Union (EU) every year, and past research suggests that 2-12% of cancer deaths may relate to occupational exposure to carcinogens. In order to establish an effective and efficient strategy for tackling this problem, a better understanding is required of the burden of occupational cancer and the associated key carcinogenic agents. The aim of this study was to estimate the economic burden of cancer incidence resulting from past occupational exposure to selected carcinogenic agents in the EU-28, so as to assist the trade unions in refining their strategy and actions to tackle occupational cancer. The cost of work-related cancers is immense: between €270 and €610 billion each year, which represents 1.8% to 4.1% of the gross domestic product of the European Union."

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