BRUSSELS

A total of 40,538 cases of work-related cancers were recorded in the EU between 2013 and 2023, according to data published Wednesday by Eurostat.

In 2023, 3,500 occupational cancer cases were acknowledged, marking an increase of 191 compared to 2022, when 3,309 were recorded.

Occupational cancers are caused by long-term exposure to carcinogenic factors in the workplace. Many cases only emerge decades after the initial exposure, sometimes after more than 40 years.

The data showed annual cases for 2020 (3,094), 2021 (3,258), and 2022 (3,309) were below the 2013-2019 average of 3,909 per year, possibly reflecting the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on working environments and health care services.

A breakdown of cancer types revealed that lung cancer and mesothelioma accounted for more than 80% of all recognized occupational cancers from 2013 - 2023.

There were 16,499 cases of lung cancer and 16,469 cases of mesothelioma -- a rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Bladder cancer followed with 2,696.

Experts warn that the data highlight the long-term risks associated with hazardous working conditions and the need for strict occupational safety measures to protect workers from carcinogenic exposures.