OCCUPATIONAL CANCER AND NEURODIVERSITY: BARRIERS, INVISIBILITIES, AND INEQUALITIES IN THE CARE OF AUTISTIC ADULTS WITHIN THE BRAZILIAN UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM

Abstract

This article examines, through a theoretical-analytical approach, the cancer care pathways of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) facing suspected or diagnosed work-related cancer within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Based on a narrative review, analysis of policies on workers’ health and the rights of persons with disabilities, and contributions from environmental justice and the social determinants of health, the study identifies sensory, communication, and institutional barriers that hinder early diagnosis, exposure surveillance, and access to comprehensive care. A triple invisibility is identified, resulting in fragmented care pathways, delays in healthcare, and restrictions on rights. Precarious and informal employment, combined with the lack of records on exposure to carcinogens, limits the recognition of causal links, while insufficient accommodations for autistic people compromise inclusive practices within the SUS. The article advocates incorporating neurodiversity into workers’ health policies, adopting accessible protocols, and strengthening coordination among Primary Health Care (PHC), Workers’ Health Reference Centers (CEREST), oncology services, and social assistance. The study contributes to the debate on inequalities and health surveillance among neurodiverse populations exposed to occupational risks.