Status of Occupational Cancer in Lithuania

Abstract

Because industrialization in Lithuania started only about 50 years ago, occupational cancer is only now becoming an important issue. This article describes the situation of occupational cancer in Lithuania: research, exposures to carcinogens, regulation, and legal practice. Epidemiologic studies of work-related cancers have shown increased risks among cement, textile, and asbestos-cement workers. In 1997, 28% of employed workers in Lithuania were exposed to carcinogens. A legislation system regulating exposures to carcinogens, harmonized with European Directives, has recently been created. In 1995-2003, there were 5,652 new cases of occupational diseases. However, occupational cancers are seriously underdiagnosed--only one case of cancer was diagnosed as occupational. Establishment of a system that would enable diagnosis, certification, and compensation of cases of occupational neoplasms is essential in Lithuania.

Occupational asbestos exposure among respiratory cancer patients in Lithuania

“…Although some asbestos-induced respiratory diseases are recognized as occupational in Lithuania, no attention has been paid to asbestos-related cancer. No case of cancer has ever been diagnosed or compensated as an asbestos-related occupational disease [Everatt et al, 2006].…”