Introduction/framework/objectives:

Bladder cancer is reasonably prevalent, and in some cases it may be related to work characteristics. It would be relevant for most professionals to have some knowledge of what is published on this topic.

Methodology:

This is a bibliographic review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”.

Content:

Bladder Cancer is the most frequent or the second most among genito-urinary neoplasms and the second most deadly in that context. Considering all oncological pathologies, it is estimated that it is the 7th or 9th most prevalent. By sex, it is two to four times more frequent in males.

It arises from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, namely occupational.

Some researchers argue that, in developed countries, occupational exposure is the main cause, followed by smoking; however, most studies claim the opposite.

The most relevant chemical agents are aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides; as well as combustion products/diesel emissions and heavy metals.

Discussion and Conclusions:

There are some risk factors with suspected or proven association with the etiology of Bladder Cancer. It is important to disclose these, so that occupational health and safety teams can take collective and individual protection measures to mitigate this. It would also be interesting for these companies to carry out more research on the subject, adding evidence to what has already been published or providing an overview of the state of the art in Portugal.

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