A recent study by researchers from the CNRS, focusing on the departments of Vaucluse and Seine-Saint-Denis, has raised questions about how work-related exposures might contribute to the development of cancer. Published on September 30, the research examined patients with lung cancer in Seine-Saint-Denis and cancers of the blood system in Vaucluse. Scientists from a group dedicated to occupational cancers interviewed more than 1,800 volunteer patients to learn about their work histories and habits. The findings revealed that 90% of these individuals—ranging from workers and farmers to managers and seasonal laborers—had been exposed to at least one known carcinogen during their careers. These substances include materials like asbestos and silica dust, certain solvents, and chemicals, as well as work-related factors such as night shifts, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified as a probable carcinogen. Despite the high rate of exposure, the study found that only 0.4% of cancers are officially recognized as occupational diseases in France. This is despite 50% of the patients interviewed having been referred for a declaration of their cancer as an occupational illness. The gap between the number of cases and the recognition of these cancers suggests a need for better identification of occupational cancers in the country. One reason for this low recognition is that many patients may not be aware of their exposure to harmful substances or may underestimate the risks due to having had multiple jobs or employers over their careers, especially among seasonal or temporary workers. The researchers stressed the importance of improving the detection of occupational cancers to enhance prevention efforts, protect workers, and address concerns about social justice. They recommended that the occupational risks branch, which is funded by employers, should be responsible for managing these cancers rather than the sickness branch. This change, they argue, could help ensure that workers receive the proper care and support they need, while also promoting a better understanding of how work environments contribute to health risks.