Despite the rising number of lung cancers recognized as occupational disease, occupational lung cancers are still under-reported. To improve the recognition of occupational lung cancer, we implemented at the Léon-Bérard Cancer Centre, a questionnaire-based process to identify occupational exposures in these patients and improve compensation. Between January 2010 and December 2011, 91 lung cancer patients responded to a questionnaire. An "occupational cancer" consultation was proposed to patients reporting exposure to carcinogens or jobs with risk of exposure. Fifty-one patients were seen in consultation (34 following the questionnaire and 17 directly addressed by the oncologist). A suspicion of high or average imputability was identified in 31 (60.8%) patients and a compensation process seemed possible for 27 (61.4%). Asbestos was the most common carcinogen identified. Among 17 compensation processes engaged, 12 succeeded and one is ongoing. The complexity of the administrative process seems to be an obstacle for patients and perpetuates inequality. The implementation of our approach increased the identification and the compensation of occupational lung cancer. Our approach responds to the objectives of the National Cancer Plan and helps to improve the overall care of patients with cancer. This approach has been awarded by the national label in 2011 "Year of the patients and their rights".
Keywords: carcinogens; lung neoplasms; occupational diseases; occupational exposure; socioeconomics factors.