The role of the occupational physician in controlling gastric cancer attributable to Helicobacter pylori infection: A review

Abstract

Highlights Helicobacter pylori eradication would contribute to stomach cancer prevention. The workplace is a privileged setting for Helicobacter pylori screen-and-treat program. The benefit of eradication at occupational level has not yet been adequately studied.

Total worker health® based Helicobacter pylori public health prevention strategy

“…Concurrently, infection control practices within professional settings have been highlighted [ 28 – 32 ], as well as the crucial role of personal protective equipment and workplace health inspection for worker's protection [ 30 – 32 ]. H. pylori infection risk assessment and reduction in the workplace was also highlighted, which recommends considering H. pylori as an occupational disease [ 15 ▪ , 29 , 31 , 33 ].…”

“…Transitioning to Secondary Prevention, the narrative shifts to highlight the importance of early detection and treatment. The ‘screen and treat’ and ‘test and trest’ strategy is emphasized [ 15 ▪ , 28 , 30 – 32 , 34 , 35 ]. Tertiary Prevention is centered on eradication of the H. pylori infection to reduce the complications of the disease and long-term sequel such as gastric cancer [ 15 ▪ , 28 , 34 , 35 ] (Table 1 ).…”

“…Several significant outcomes mark the effectiveness of H. pylori Prevention in the workplace. Occupational-based health screenings, tailored to diverse working schedules, have enabled higher participation rates, particularly among those with unconventional hours, such as shift workers [ 15 ▪ , 29 , 32 , 33 ]. This strategy has facilitated timely diagnoses and interventions for H. pylori , leading to a notable decrease in its prevalence among workers.…”

“…Collatuzzo et al [ 15 ▪ ] suggest that occupational physicians can recommend H. pylori testing for workers, highlighting the significance of screening for gastric conditions and cancer. Implementing an H. pylori screening program offers numerous advantages including promoting overall well being at work, fostering a healthier workforce, enhancing job performance, and boosting employee loyalty and satisfaction.…”

“…Implementing an H. pylori screening program offers numerous advantages including promoting overall well being at work, fostering a healthier workforce, enhancing job performance, and boosting employee loyalty and satisfaction. It also minimizes absences due to gastric issues, potentially extends screening benefits to employees’ families, decreases the workplace reservoir of H. pylori , targets the optimal age group for gastric cancer prevention, supports general practitioner patient management, and can integrate into broader existing health promotion programs [ 15 ▪ ].…”