Cancer Prevention at Work (CPW) project: Rationale, framework and research protocol

Abstract

Chronic infections such as Helicobacter pylori (Hp), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) significantly contribute to the global cancer burden, necessitating targeted and cost-effective prevention strategies. The Cancer Prevention at Work (CPW) project pioneers an innovative approach by integrating primary prevention interventions into occupational health surveillance (OHS) programs, thus leveraging existing workplace infrastructure for a large-scale impact. CPW aims to screen and treat Hp and HCV infections, and promote HPV vaccination, targeting not only workers but also their household members. CPW aims to support accessibility, facilitate earlier detection, and strengthen cancer prevention at a population level. The project employs a micro-elimination strategy for HCV, supports data-driven risk assessment for Hp and HPV, and promotes evidence-based communication to reduce HPV vaccine hesitancy. A comprehensive data management framework ensures harmonized data collection, integration, and cost-effectiveness analysis, aiming at providing robust evidence for policy recommendations. Through pilot studies conducted across four European countries, CPW assesses the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and economic sustainability, with the potential to inform future occupational cancer prevention initiatives across Europe. This work s ummarizes the CPW project’s research framework designed to integrate infection-related cancer prevention into workplace health programs across Europe. It details the project’s goals, methods, and discusses the impact on occupational cancer prevention.