title: [Identification of occupational exposure in thoracic oncology: a Belgian experience].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Belgium in 2008, the body responsible for compensating and indemnifying victims of occupational diseases recognized 62 cases of lung cancer, although 702 cases were expected. There is an "underreporting" of occupational lung cancer. This study aimed to assess the number of cases of occupational lung cancer in a Belgian hospital specialized in oncology.
  
  
  METHODS
  From September 1st, 2009 to January 31st, 2011, each new patient with lung cancer has been directed to a consultation identifying occupational exposure to lung carcinogens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 81 occupational histories, 28 patients (35%) were found to have been definitely or probably exposed to one or more lung carcinogens (known or suspected). These patients were all male, mostly blue collar workers. Thirteen compensation claims for occupational disease have been introduced: nine recognized, one rejected and three pending.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates the importance of a physician trained in occupational diseases within a thoracic oncology unit in reducing the "underreporting" of occupational lung cancer and thus providing the victims with the compensation to which they are legitimately due.
authors.affiliation: Service des soins intensifs et urgences oncologiques et oncologie thoracique, institut Jules-Bordet, centre des tumeurs de l'université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1, rue Héger-Bordet, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique. Electronic address: Isabelle.Morelle@bordet.be.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Morelle
authors.affiliation: Service des soins intensifs et urgences oncologiques et oncologie thoracique, institut Jules-Bordet, centre des tumeurs de l'université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1, rue Héger-Bordet, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Berghmans
authors.affiliation: Service des soins intensifs et urgences oncologiques et oncologie thoracique, institut Jules-Bordet, centre des tumeurs de l'université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1, rue Héger-Bordet, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: CsToth
authors.affiliation: Service des soins intensifs et urgences oncologiques et oncologie thoracique, institut Jules-Bordet, centre des tumeurs de l'université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1, rue Héger-Bordet, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique.
authors.forename: J-P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Sculier
authors.affiliation: Service des soins intensifs et urgences oncologiques et oncologie thoracique, institut Jules-Bordet, centre des tumeurs de l'université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1, rue Héger-Bordet, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique.
authors.forename: A-P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Meert
mesh_terms: D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014942:Workers' Compensation
chemical_list: D002273:Carcinogens
keywords: Amiante; Asbestosis; Cancer du poumon; Exposition professionnelle; Lung cancer; Occupational exposures; Sous-déclaration; Underreporting