Integrated research program
The OCRC integrated research program consists of:
- surveillance of occupational cancers and workplace exposures;
- research into the causes of cancer in the workplace;
- intervention research to develop and test prevention and exposure reduction strategies;
- building capacity in applied occupational cancer research; and
- knowledge transfer and exchange with stakeholders to ensure relevance of research and effective application of research findings related to prevention, risk reduction and policy.
Guiding principles
The OCRC guiding principles are to:
- produce and transfer new knowledge to support community action, public education, prevention efforts, legislation and policy development;
- conduct research that adheres to the highest standard of research integrity;
- involve stakeholders in the establishment of a research agenda;
- maintain the precautionary principle so that reasonable steps to reduce risk should not await scientific scrutiny; and
- perform research and knowledge dissemination activities free from stakeholder interference.
Stakeholder survey
OCRC is working on developing a more specific research agenda. To assist with this process we surveyed our stakeholder community about their views on priority areas in occupational cancer research.
- Nearly 100 workplace exposures were identified as a priority issue in occupational cancer research. Shift work, chemicals and asbestos were mentioned most frequently.
- 45 occupations, both broad and specific, were listed. The most common occupations were healthcare workers, firefighters and miners.
- 27 cancers were mentioned. Some of the most frequently mentioned cancers were breast, lung and prostate.
To see the OCRC Stakeholder Survey report, click here.
