A large European survey has revealed that thousands of healthcare and social care workers are routinely exposed to workplace factors associated with an increased risk of cancer, highlighting often-overlooked occupational hazards in the sector.

The study, published in the European Journal of Public Health, analyzed data from the Workers’ Exposure Survey (WES), the largest European assessment of occupational exposure to cancer risk factors to date.

Researchers examined information from more than 24,000 workers across six European countries, representing approximately 98.5 million employees. The survey focused on exposure to 24 known occupational cancer risk factors, including chemical agents, physical hazards, and process-generated substances.

Nearly half of all surveyed workers had likely been exposed to at least one cancer-related hazard during the previous working week. Within the healthcare and social care sector, almost 30% of employees were estimated to have experienced occupational exposure.

The most common cancer-linked hazards identified among healthcare and social care workers were:

  • ionizing radiation (7.4%);

  • diesel engine exhaust (6.2%);

  • solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation (6.1%).

Researchers also found that the highest-intensity exposures involved formaldehyde and ethylene oxide, substances commonly encountered in certain medical and sterilization procedures.

Healthcare workers faced exposure through a variety of routine activities, including operating X-ray equipment, sterilizing instruments, working in laboratories, maintaining vehicles, and performing outdoor duties.

The analysis showed that many workers regularly used protective measures such as radiation shields, ventilation systems, and protective clothing. However, significant gaps remained, particularly in protection against solar UV radiation and some chemical exposures. For example, the use of sunscreen and protective eyewear was less common than expected among employees working outdoors.

The authors noted that occupational cancer risks in healthcare and social care settings are often underestimated despite affecting a substantial proportion of workers.

They emphasize that improved monitoring, targeted prevention programs, and greater awareness of workplace cancer hazards are needed to better protect healthcare professionals and support staff.

The researchers also acknowledged several limitations. The survey assessed exposures during a single working week rather than over an entire career and included participants from only six European countries. In addition, some potentially important occupational carcinogens, including certain hazardous medications and anticancer drugs, were not evaluated.

Nevertheless, the study provides one of the most comprehensive pictures to date of occupational cancer-related exposures among Europe's healthcare workforce and may help guide future prevention strategies.