Addressing the greater cancer risk faced by construction workers

Research by Cancer Research UK has shown that one in two people born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and only half of those diagnosed will survive for 10 years or more. However, the charity’s evidence suggests that people working in the construction industry are more likely to get cancer and die from the disease compared to the national population.

To look at the factors that raise the risk for employees in the sector and work underway to address those, NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by Cancer Research UK senior cancer awareness nurse Jackie Kelly, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) national civil engineering director Peter Crosland and Amey managing director for transport infrastructure Peter Anderson.

Together they discuss both lifestyle factors and work-related risks that workers in the construction industry face that increase the potential for them to be diagnosed with cancer.

Jackie talks about how Cancer Research UK works with industry to address cancer risk and the work it is undertaken with Amey and the Stop make a change programme with CECA.

Peter from Amey explains how the firm’s partnership with Cancer Research UK came about and the positive change the workers driving through the business. Meanwhile Peter from CECA explains how his organisation has also been working with Cancer Research UK to create broader industry awareness.

The group discuss lessons they’ve learnt along the way by working in partnership and share those to help other companies looking to emulate the work that Amey and CECA have done.

Finally, Jackie shares some resources for people whose companies have not yet engaged at a corporate level and are looking for better information about cancer and support if they have been diagnosed with cancer. Jackie urged people to use current, credible, research-based information rather than general Internet searches and urge people to visit the Cancer Research UK website at CRUK.org or the NHS website at NHS.uk

Cancer Research UK also has a free helpline staffed by specialist nurses open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm that anyone can call to get advice. To access that resource please call 0808 800 4040.

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