A report from the European environmental advocacy group HEAL calls for the “primary prevention” of cancers, including occupational cancers. It notes: “Primary prevention is about stopping cancer before it starts. Primary ‘environment’ and ‘occupational” prevention could be defined as reducing if not eliminating involuntary exposure to harmful chemicals by removing carcinogens and other chemicals linked to cancer, such as endocrine disruptors, as well as physical agents, from the environment and the workplace. It is separate from early detection, such as breast cancer screening, which is often included in the term “prevention”. Because primary ‘environmental and occupational’ prevention involves eliminating people’s exposure to harmful industrially-manufactured chemicals and physical agents, it is predominantly a matter of government policy and business responsibility. Nevertheless, educating individuals about harmful environmental and occupational exposures is very important. It can help people make better informed choices about use of daily consumer products that can contribute to cancer risks, and about work exposures. Building citizens’ awareness also contributes to generating support for changes in governmental policy and business practices.”

Reducing cancer through environmental policy change, Health and Environment Alliance position paper (HEAL), March 2011.