TY - JOUR T1 - Occupational exposure to carcinogens and lung cancer: Impact of a dedicated professional disease consultation in a Belgian oncologic centre JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 38 IS - Suppl 55 SP - p2732 AU - Anne Pascale Meert AU - Isabelle Morelle AU - Thierry Berghmans AU - Ingrid C.S. Toth AU - Jean Paul Sculier Y1 - 2011/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p2732.abstract N2 - Introduction: In epidemiological studies, 15% of lung cancers in men and 5% in women are linked to occupational exposure to carcinogens. However, there is a clear under-reporting of occupational lung cancer in Belgium: in 2006, only 67 cases were recognized by the Professional Disease Fund whereas 500 were attended.Aim: To appreciate the frequency of occupational lung cancer in newly diagnosed lung cancer in a Belgian oncologic hospital.Material and method: Since 01/09/2009, all new patients with lung cancer were sent to a dedicated consultation where a physician trained in professional disease asked information about job history and look for known or suspected lung carcinogenic exposure.Results: 73 job stories have been recorded, 23 patients (32%) were certainly or probably exposed to a lung carcinogenic agent (known or suspected). All the patients were men (mean age 62 years), 22 workmen, 21 were smokers. Asbestos was the most common carcinogenic agent found (25%). Ten claims for occupational disease were made; 3 recognized and 7 are pending.Conclusion: This study shows the utility of a physician with knowledge in occupational pathology into a clinical department to reduce the under-reporting of occupational primary lung cancer and then to ensure that the victims receive the appropriate medico-legal benefits. ER -