Analysis of Cancers in A University Hospital Employees between 2006 and 2022

Abstract

Objective: Healthcare workers are exposed to a variety of hazardous chemicals and agents that may have long-term effects on their health. One of the health problems caused by these chemicals and agents is cancer. The aim of this descriptive study is to evaluate the cancers seen in those working in a university hospital between 01.01.2006 and 30.06.2022. Material – Methods: All healthcare professionals diagnosed with cancer between 01.01.2006-30.06.2022 were included in this descriptive study. The age, sex, occupation, working unit, and cancer type of the patients were evaluated. Data were analyzed with the statistical program SPSS-22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Data were presented using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations for continuous variables; numbers and percentages for categorical variables). Results: Between 01.01.2006 and 30.06.2022, 186 people working at Sivas Cumhuriyet University were diagnosed with cancer. Forty-seven point eight percent (n = 89) of them are male; the mean age of those diagnosed with cancer is 46.0 ± 8.9 (min 22, max 62). The most common cancers are thyroid (21.5%), breast (16.7%), head and neck (9.7%), hematopoietic system (9.1%), and gastric-colon (8.6%) cancers. When evaluated according to occupational groups, 22.6% of them are office workers, 19.9% are academicians, 15.6% are workers, 14.0% are nurses, 10.2% are health technicians, and 8.2% are research assistants. Conclusion: In this institution, which has 2721 personnel, approximately 16 employees are diagnosed with cancer each year. Detailed records of patients diagnosed with cancer, especially healthcare professionals, should be kept. More studies are needed in detail on behaviors related to occupational exposures and cancer risk. It may be beneficial reducing the burden of work-related cancers also for the well-being of healthcare workers.