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In many parts of the world, Workers’ Day is a time of celebration. Streets fill with marches, banners wave high, and the spirit of solidarity rings out proudly. We honour the backbone of society — the workers who build, teach, heal, feed, and drive the engines of our communities. Yet behind the colourful celebrations lies a quieter story, one often overlooked: the growing burden of cancer among workers, especially in developing countries.
Cancer, once thought of as a disease affecting mainly the wealthy or the elderly, has become a silent crisis in low- and middle-income countries. Here, workers face risks not just from economic hardship or unsafe workplaces, but from something far more insidious — illnesses they can’t always see coming. In fact, the World Health Organisation estimates that about 70% of cancer deaths happen in these regions. In industries like agriculture, mining, and construction, many workers encounter toxic substances daily — pesticides, asbestos, industrial chemicals — often without even basic protective gear.
But exposure is only part of the problem. Early detection, a key factor in successful cancer treatment, remains a distant dream for many. Regular health screenings are rare. Even when symptoms appear, workers often delay seeking medical attention, fearing the loss of wages, the costs of treatment, or the stigma attached to illness. For some, by the time a diagnosis is made, options are tragically limited.
On a day meant to celebrate the dignity of labour, it’s important to remember that dignity includes the right to health. Cancer awareness is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Protecting workers’ health means more than preventing accidents on the job — it means educating them about cancer risks, providing access to screenings and vaccinations, and creating environments where safety is prioritised.
Simple steps can make a world of difference. Workplaces can offer regular health talks and distribute information in languages workers understand. Governments and organisations can partner to make cancer screenings available, even in remote areas. Stronger labour policies can ensure that health protections are not optional, but mandatory. And, perhaps most importantly, communities can begin to talk openly about cancer, breaking the silence that often surrounds it.
This Workers’ Day, as we march and sing and remember past struggles, we should also look forward. A future where every worker, whether in a city factory or a rural field, has not only fair wages and decent conditions but also a fair chance at a healthy life.
The fight for workers’ rights must include the fight against diseases that steal their futures. Because when we protect the health of workers, we protect the heart of our societies.
Happy Workers’ Day.
