In some Australian workplaces, employees are exposed to a diverse range of carcinogens at higher concentrations and for longer periods of time than the general public. It has been estimated that 3.6 million Australians are exposed to at least one carcinogen at work and approximately 5,000 cancers each year are caused by workplace exposures.
It is essential GPs have the knowledge and skills to be able to assist patients in monitoring their health, identifying potential risks and be able to provide or direct patients to further information if working in high-risk jobs with known carcinogens.
Cancer Council has developed an e-learning module to increase GPs’ awareness of workplace carcinogens and cancers. The module includes sections on occupational carcinogens in the Australian context, the role of an exposure history, common occupational cancers including lung, skin, bladder and mesothelioma, and the Australian compensation system.
The 60-minute module is accredited with both RACGP and ACRRM.