Increased risk of occupational falls among cancer survivors: Japanese nationwide cohort
Kazuhiko Watanabe, Ichiro Kawachi, Takahiro Tabuchi, Masayoshi ZaitsuObjectives
Despite declining incidence rates for some cancers, the ageing workforce and improved survival have increased the number of workers with a history of cancer. Cancer treatment can affect strength, balance and bone health, thereby increasing fall risk among cancer survivors. However, an association between a history of cancer and occupational falls has not been reported. We aimed to investigate whether a history of cancer was associated with occupational falls and fall-related fractures among workers in Japan using prospective data.
Methods
We analysed two-wave panel data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey, a nationwide web-based survey with 1-year follow-up. Cancer history, including active treatment or remission, was assessed at baseline, and occupational falls and fall-related fractures were assessed at the 12- month follow-up. Poisson regression was used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs, adjusting for baseline covariates.
Results
Among 11 733 participants (mean age: 42.6 years), 8.0% reported at least one occupational fall in the past 12 months, and 3.7% reported a fall-related fracture. Compared with participants without a history of cancer, occupational fall risk was higher among those in remission (RR 1.90; 95% CI 1.50 to 2.41) and those receiving active treatment (RR 2.38; 95% CI 1.79 to 3.18). Similar associations were observed for fall-related fractures.
Conclusions
Workers with a history of cancer had a higher risk of occupational falls and fall-related fractures. Occupational injury prevention strategies should address the needs of workers with a history of cancer.