OncoVis: carcinogenic substances, their classification and potential impact on cancer development –⁠ an interactive dashboard for clinical practice

Overview

Background: Cancer prevention represents a key pillar of oncological care. In addition to genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors, carcinogenic substances from environmental and occupational exposures play a significant role. However, information about their occurrence and relationship to specific tumor types is often difficult to access in clinical practice. Physicians increasingly encounter patients who came in with incomplete or inaccurately interpreted information from media about carcinogenic risks, which can lead to unnecessary concerns and difficult communication. Although authoritative international databases exist, particularly International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluations, their use is limited by complex structure and difficult accessibility. Aim: The aim of this article is to present the interactive OncoVis dashboard, which clearly structures data on carcinogens based on IARC classification and enables quick and intuitive searching for clinical practice needs. The dashboard serves as a practical tool for physicians in prevention, patient education, and orientation in environmental and occupational carcinogenic risks. Results: OncoVis is a web application hosted at oncovis.eirene.eu. Data are primarily derived from official IARC monographs and additionally validated. The dashboard enables dynamic searching in two ways –⁠ by selecting a specific carcinogen or by selecting an organ location. For each substance, it displays the IARC classification group (1, 2A, 2B, 3), main exposure sources, exposure routes, and associated tumor locations. The application has a responsive design adapted for various devices (desktop, tablet, mobile). The dashboard is regularly updated according to new IARC monograph releases, and its long-term sustainability is ensured through the EIRENE.eu research infrastructure. Conclusion: The OncoVis dashboard represents a practical tool for orientation in carcinogenic substances in clinical practice. It bridges the gap between complex scientific databases and physicians’ needs when communicating with patients about environmental and occupational risk factors for cancer. The tool is freely accessible and can contribute to strengthening the preventive role of oncologists.

Keywords:

neoplasms – carcinogenesis – Carcinogens – risk factors – primary prevention – occupational exposure – environmental exposure – exposome