A research centre focused on occupational cancer
The Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), established in 2009, is the first of its kind in Canada. The establishment of the OCRC grew out of the recognized need to re-emphasize research on the causes and prevention of occupation-related cancers after decades of diminished effort in most countries.
The OCRC will work to fill the gaps in our knowledge of occupation-related cancers and use these findings to inform preventive programs to control workplace carcinogenic (cancer-causing) exposures and improve the health of workers.
A substantial and unacceptable burden
Nearly 60 occupational exposures have been classified as definite or probable human carcinogens (cancer-causing) and over a hundred more are suspected carcinogens. There are many workplace substances that cause cancer in animals that have not been carefully evaluated in humans. Occupational exposures may account for 20 to 30% of the cancers among blue collar workers.
Fact sheet on occupation and cancer in Ontario.
How the OCRC operates
The OCRC is a unique partnership that unites research, healthcare, workplace safety, labour and industry groups. It is jointly funded by Cancer Care Ontario, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division and was developed in collaboration with the United Steelworkers.
The Centre is housed at Cancer Care Ontario. It is led by a Director, Dr. Paul Demers, and supported by a Steering Committee and a Scientific Advisory Committee.
Visit the OCRC partners’ websites:
Cancer Care Ontario
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division
United Steelworkers
