Background:
Occupational exposure to workplace carcinogens contributes substantially to the burden of cancer but remains under-recognised. In Australia, occupational cancers are significantly under-reported and under-compensated, with fewer than 8% of cases receiving compensation annually1. Failure to recognise an occupational cause may have important clinical, psychological, and financial consequences, including reduced access to compensation and treatment support.
Aim:
To develop an educational module that supports healthcare professionals' in recognising occupational cancers, conducting effective occupational history-taking, and initiating timely specialist referral.
Methods:
An evidence-based educational module was developed to improve clinicians' recognition of occupational carcinogen exposures, common occupational cancers, and referral pathways. The content focuses on established carcinogens associated with mesothelioma, lung, bladder, sinonasal cancers, and leukaemia encountered in high-risk industries.
Results:
Since its publication in 2025, 963 learners have interacted with the module, with 121 completing the post-course evaluation survey. Nurses represented 79% of respondents. Overall satisfaction was high; with 94% reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied with the course. More than half (56%) indicated their knowledge of occupationally acquired cancers had increased considerably or greatly following completion of the module, while 64% reported that the knowledge gained would enable them to improve patient care in their clinical practice.
Conclusion:
Earlier recognition of occupational cancers depends on greater clinician awareness of occupational risk factors and accurate occupational history-taking during cancer assessment. This educational module aims to improve identification of work-related cancers, support appropriate specialist referral, and enhance patient access to compensation, treatment options, and occupational health services. Improved clinician education is an important step towards reducing the under-recognition and under-compensation of occupational cancers in Australia.