OCRC’s stakeholder community identifies research priorities

During the summer of 2009, OCRC consulted a broad spectrum of stakeholders through an online survey to help establish its research priorities. The survey was completed by 177 participants from academia, government, labour unions, non-governmental organizations, industry, health and safety organizations, and health care institutions.

Nearly 150 workplace exposures and occupations were identified as priorities for research. Chemicals, respirable fibres (usually asbestos), radiation, shiftwork and nanomaterials were the most frequently mentioned exposures. Healthcare workers, firefighters, miners, construction workers, farmers and welders were the most commonly identified occupations in need of attention.

This survey provides OCRC with valuable information on priority issues in occupational cancer research and will help the Centre develop a research progam to meet publich health needs.