Elevated Risk for other cancers
The National Cancer Institute and other highly regarded authorities in the field of cancer research have classified asbestos, a fibrous, fire-resistant mineral, as a human carcinogen, causing the development of cancers in various regions of the human body. Because of its historical popularity in construction materials and commercial products, many thousands or millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos. On average, nearly 10,000 individuals in the United States die each year as the result of exposure to asbestos and a subsequent illness, such as cancer. Of these 10,000 innocent people who succumb to asbestos-related illnesses, approximately 3000 have developed mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung and stomach linings, and another 2000 have asbestos-related lung cancer. For further information about mesothelioma, please see Mesothelioma Overview. To read about asbestos-related lung cancer, please see Lung Cancer.
While mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer constitute the greatest portion of cancer deaths related to asbestos exposure, scientists have concluded in recent years that asbestos may be linked to a slew of other cancers. For instance, a number of studies have found that asbestos may cause gastrointestinal cancer, a condition in which the hormone-releasing cells of the gastrointestinal tract divide and multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Although no concrete causal link has been yet drawn, findings of one study by eminent researchers found that all workers who have been exposed to asbestos show an elevated risk for developing stomach and gastrointestinal tract cancers, a finding that should serve as an urgent message to workers who believe they have been exposed to asbestos and may be at risk for developing a gastrointestinal cancer. For further information, please see Gastrointestinal Cancer.
An exposure to asbestos may also elevate one's risk of later developing colorectal cancers, the development of which causes cells in the colon or rectum to divide uncontrollably, eventually spreading to other regions of the body and wrecking havoc upon the system of the afflicted individual. Colorectal cancer is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and although colorectal cancers' association with asbestos is controversial, many scientists say they have reason to believe that exposure to asbestos increases one's risk for developing these cancers. Please read Colorectal Cancer for further information.
Sadly, these four very devastating categories of cancer may not represent the boundaries of asbestos's deadly influence upon the human body. Although conclusive evidence is lack and more research must be conducted, some authorities point to a possible link between exposure to asbestos and cancers of the kidneys, the throat, the larynx and other cancers, whose correlation or causal association with asbestos has yet to be discovered. Ultimately, until the jury, as it were, commits to a comprehensive list of cancers caused by exposure to asbestos, suffice it to say that such an exposure can have devastating effects on the body.
There are a number of additional factors that may also play a role in your risk of developing a cancer once you've been exposed to asbestos. The volume of asbestos to which you have been exposed is an important factor, as many authorities agree that everyone is exposed to some amount of asbestos in their lifetime, and yet many people do not develop an asbestos-related cancer. These authorities believe that your risk increases as the volume of asbestos to which you have been exposed increases, and they also believe that the time you spend in an asbestos-contaminated environment plays a part, as the more time you spend breathing asbestos particles, the greater number of particles that could adhere to the surface of your lungs or other regions of the body, irritating the tissues of said surface and predisposing you to the development of a life-threatening cancer. Also, aspects of your lifestyle must be factored in. Your general health and ability to fight off disease and your medical history are important considerations. Physicians generally agree that if you have had a previous case of cancer, you are at a greater risk of developing cancer in the future than if you had never developed cancer. This point stands in the case of asbestos-exposed individuals, as well as for those who have never been exposed to asbestos. Finally, if you smoke, you are more likely to develop cancer after being exposed to asbestos than if you were a non-smoker.
It may be difficult to diagnose cancers in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos, because cancers related to such an exposure may take many years or even decades to present symptoms. If you believe you may be at risk for developing cancer, or if you have been exposed at any time to asbestos-containing materials, please get in touch with a physician who may be able to answer any questions you have, and who can help you to get the proper screening. Already, asbestos has killed countless thousands of innocent individuals, parents and children with families, and every day, asbestos claims the lives of many more. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos and are at an increased risk for colorectal cancer, seek the advice of a mesothelioma lawyer who can help you get the treatment you need.
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