French researchers investigated problems linking disease diagnosis, neglected recognition, recording of, and compensation for, lung cancer. They used questionnaires to obtain information about past jobs and possible exposures to carcinogens. Of 51 lung cancer patients seen in consultation, 34 responded to the questionnaire, 31 could be linked to workplace exposures (primarily asbestos), and 17 compensation cases resulted. The authors called for revision of the system. “The complexity of the administrative process seems to be an obstacle for patients and perpetuates inequality. The implementation of our approach increased the identification and the compensation of occupational lung cancer. Our approach responds to the objectives of the National Cancer Plan and helps to improve the overall care of patients with cancer.”

Camille Cellier, Barbara Charbotel, Julien Carretier and others. Identification of occupational exposures among patients with lung cancer, Bulletin du Cancer, volume 100.7-8, pages 661–670, 1 August 2013.