# Implementing cancer prevention in occupational healthcare: initial insights from occupational healthcare staff in Central and Southern Europe – findings from the CPW project

## TL;DR

This study explores how occupational healthcare professionals in Europe can help prevent cancer in the workplace by evaluating cancer screening and counseling programs.

## Contribution

The study provides initial insights into the feasibility of implementing cancer prevention programs in occupational healthcare settings across diverse European countries.

## Key findings

- Occupational healthcare professionals gave positive evaluations to cancer prevention programs targeting HCV, Hp, and HPV.
- Organizational support and resources were rated favorably, suggesting good conditions for program implementation.
- Engagement varied by workplace and worker group, with healthcare workers showing more positive responses than metal workers.

## Abstract

Effective primary cancer prevention in occupational health care settings requires strategies tailored to workforce needs and individual risk profiles. Cultural, perceptual, and behavioural factors influence implementation success. Occupational healthcare professionals (OHCPs), with their expertise and regulatory responsibilities, are critical for advancing workplace cancer prevention. This study evaluates the feasibility of primary cancer prevention programs within the Cancer Prevention at Work (CPW) project across Europe from OHCP perspective.

CPW is a Horizon Europe funded cross-sectional pilot study (2023–2026) conducted in Italy, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain. It focuses on HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) and Hp (Helicobacter pylori) screening and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) counselling among workers. OHCPs involved in program implementation completed a survey assessing their perceptions of the programs, contextual factors, and their professional role in delivery. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating more positive assessments, supportive contexts, and greater OHCP engagement. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory analyses.

Fifty-five OHCPs completed the survey. Findings suggest that integrating primary cancer prevention into occupational health is feasible. All three programs received positive evaluations (Mean Scores: 4.18–4.23; SD: 0.35–0.38), and organizational conditions, such as resources and leadership support, were rated favorably (Mean Scores: 4.24–4.73; SD: 0.42–0.61). OHCP involvement was moderately high (Mean Scores: 3.69–3.79; SD: 0.34–0.41), indicating meaningful engagement while highlighting opportunities for improvement. Assessments varied by setting and worker group, with more positive evaluations in hospitals and among healthcare or financial workers compared to metal workers. Contextual factors differed across groups, reflecting variability in perceived feasibility and ease of implementation.

Conditions for the successful implementation of primary prevention programs targeting HCV, Hp, and HPV related cancers in occupational health services seem present. Particularly, if supported by favourable contextual factors and facilitated by employee participation. These findings offer preliminary evidence for the scalability of workplace-based cancer prevention strategies across diverse European health systems.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-026-15607-0.