GMB to launch awareness campaign on link between workplaces and bladder cancer
GMB to launch awareness campaign on link between people working in certain industries and bladder cancer
It is likely that official statistics are underestimated as there are many causes of the cancer, meaning the link to work is often not made, says GMB London
GMB Congress have today passed a motion to launch an awareness campaign on the link between people working in certain industries and bladder cancer. The union has also pledged to work more closely with the HSE and ‘Fight Bladder Cancer’ charity.
Workers in male dominated industries and particularly from chemical dye and rubber industries are often exposed to substances linked to bladder cancer. However, the compounds have also been detected in hair dyes, paints, fungicides, cigarette smoke, plastics, pollutant emissions from industrial installations, and metal and motor vehicle exhausts, which can affect both male and females.
There are an estimated 100,000 men and women living with bladder cancer in the UK and approximately 15,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, making it the 5th most common cancer overall – the 4th most common cancer in men. The majority of individuals that are diagnosed are over 55 years old, but increasingly people of all ages are affected.
The 102nd GMB Congress, comprises of 500 elected lay members and 300 visitors and guests. GMB Congress delegates were elected from the GMB membership to represent over 640,000 members from every part of the UK and Ireland and every sector of the economy. Congress is the supreme policy making body in GMB.
Warren Kenny, GMB Regional Secretary said:
“Occupational bladder claims thousands of lives per year, and it is likely that official statistics are underestimated as there are many causes of the cancer, meaning the link to work is often not made.
“Due to the long latency before symptoms manifest, it is often perceived to be an older person’s condition. As such there has been little campaigning for preventative approaches and such an approach is long overdue.
“By working together with ‘Fight Bladder Cancer’ we can provide a much needed focus on this overlooked cancer and help to provide access to decision-makers in industry and government who can help address the shortage of research funding and poor prioritisation of bladder cancer.”
ENDS
Contact: Shaun Graham 07885 706556 or GMB London Press Office 07970 114762
Notes to Editors
1. Fight Bladder Cancer website - https://fightbladdercancer.co.uk/
2. GMB Congress Motion
158. BLADDER CANCER
This Congress congratulates GMB on its awareness campaigns for those with work related diseases such as mesothelioma.
However, we note that there is a link between people working in certain industries and bladder cancer – another working person’s cancer.
There are an estimated 100,000 men and women living with bladder cancer in the UK and approximately 15,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, making it the 5th most common cancer overall – the 4th most common cancer in men. The majority of individuals that are diagnosed are over 55 years old, but increasingly people of all ages are affected.
Workers in male dominated industries and particularly from chemical dye and rubber industries are exposed to substances linked to this cancer.
The compounds have been detected in hair dyes, paints, fungicides, cigarette smoke, plastics, pollutant emissions from industrial installations, and metal and motor vehicle exhausts.
We call on the Union and branches to raise awareness for our members who work in these sectors and work with the HSE and “Fight Bladder Cancer” charity.
We call on UNIONLINE to consider setting up a register similar to the asbestos register to record cases.
BARKING BRANCH London Region
Image: Flickr via Daniel.Foster
