Occupation
Occupation
Certain occupations and workplaces have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. To reduce this risk, we should support workers' right to a healthy work environment by minimizing harmful exposures and conditions linked to breast cancer.Science Summary
Some occupations expose workers to hazards that increase breast cancer risk. Examples include flight attendants and healthcare workers (radiation), firefighters, agricultural, and industry workers (toxic chemicals), night shift workers (light at night), and sedentary workers (physical activity).
Nearly 8 million women are part of California’s workforce. Women’s occupational risk for breast cancer, especially for women of color, has been largely understudied. However, existing research shows the connection between breast cancer risk and occupation can be understood through numerous lenses: chemical exposure; stress, including around job security and fair wages, threats or acts of sexual and physical violence, and lack of power to advocate for oneself; challenges with time and accommodation for breastfeeding; light-at-night exposure; and many other issues.
What can I do for my own body and health?
The first step to protect yourself is to better understand your risk in the workplace. Always use protective equipment and follow safety protocols. Stay informed on regulations and work with your employer or union to advocate for safer conditions.
Some state programs are designed to identify hazardous circumstances and prevent injury and illness on the job (e.g., the California Safe Cosmetics Program (CDPH), the Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS)).
“Sure, we can educate low-income workers, such as domestic workers, but a lot of Black and Latina women work for White people who insist they use conventional products that can be toxic.”
Elena from the Breast Cancer Plan Community Meeting San Francisco Bay Area
How can I navigate and get support with any systemic barriers to my health?
Workers need collective power to address workplace concerns effectively. Unions play a key role in educating, empowering, and lobbying for fair and safe work conditions. However, workers’ education on the issue isn’t enough if they lack the power to change their conditions. Women, especially those fearing job loss, are unlikely to have the power or security to advocate for workplace safety.
More studies that include a sufficiently large group of women and account for other important breast cancer risk factors are needed to better evaluate workplace exposures.
Ultimately, the best way to protect workers is to improve laws and regulations and equip state agencies with the authority and resources to enforce them. Given the power imbalance between corporations and workers, the government can provide the necessary protections.
“We must ensure that state and federal worker protection agencies have the authority, capacity, and strength to protect workers.”
Create culturally tailored educational programs, in collaboration with agricultural workers, on their workplace rights, safety regulations, and how to advocate for stronger protections to reduce hazardous exposures.
Resources
Chapter Pullout
Supported by grant funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. has had no input into the development or content of these materials.
Types: Fact Sheet, Report
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