Abstract 838: Population attributable fraction of occupational carcinogens for cancer incidence among Korean adults in 2020

Abstract Assessing the level and scope of exposure to occupational carcinogens on a country-specific basis presents challenges, and as a result, it has been appraised as uncertain when compared with other factors in the estimation of the burden of cancer. The Korean CARcinogen Exposure (K-CAREX) developed in 2021 is utilized to estimate the population at risk in industrial work environments in Korea (Koh et al., 2021). Our goal is to estimate preventable cancer incidence attributable to occupational carcinogens in Korea, utilizing the K-CAREX program and employing appropriate methodology. Among the exposures classified as Group 1 factors by IARC, considering the possibility of occupational exposure. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were computed using Levin's Formula (1953), considering a latency period of 15 years between exposure and cancer in our assessment. The prevalence of exposure was calculated using K-CAREX program and census data. The relative risk (RR) for incidence was derived from a meta-analysis of literature. It was possible to calculate PAFs for 11 occupational factors linked with 8 cancer types. This estimation was chosen based on a combination of exposure and sufficient evidence of human carcinogenicity. As a result, Population attributable fractions (PAFs) for cancer incidence associated with occupational carcinogens was estimated at 1% in 2020. Lung cancer (approximately 90%) was found to be the most prevalent type of cancer attributable to occupational factors, as widely acknowledged. The prevalence of exposure to occupational carcinogens was 22%, with Diesel engine exhaust being the most significant source for both genders. Since the early 2000s, the exposure levels of asbestos, subject to usage prohibition and restriction measures, were estimated to be at a lower level compared to other countries. It is evident that these estimates reflect the characteristics of the Korean industry. This is anticipated to provide a foundation for the development of methodologies and indicators essential for measuring the burden of occupational cancer in the country. Citation Format: Eun Mi Kim, Dong-Hee Koh, Sue K Park, Yoon-Jung Choi, Hong Gwan Seo, Inah Kim, Jeong-Soo Im. Population attributable fraction of occupational carcinogens for cancer incidence among Korean adults in 2020 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 838.