Are You At Risk?
Learn about asbestos exposure and legal options in your area.
hon logoWe comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: Verify Here.

Prostate Cancer and Asbestos Exposure

Prostate cancer is a malignant change in the cells of the prostate, which is a gland of the male reproductive system. When cells in the prostate undergo a mutation and begin to multiply at uncontrollable rates, tumors form and the cells may even spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes and bones. This form of cancer typically affects older men and is the first and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, the first being lung cancer.

The exact causes of prostate cancer are still not completely understood. It has been established that prostate cancer is not contagious, and several risk factors have been identified. Some of these include age, ethnicity, family history, certain changes in the prostate, and a diet rich in meat and animal fat. Men over 50 are at the highest risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer and Asbestos Exposure

Other risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise, have also been studied for their connection to prostate cancer. Thus far, none of these can be defined as clear risk factors. Another possible risk factor that has been scientifically assessed is exposure to asbestos.

One such study analyzed a cohort of workers from a crocidolite asbestos mine in Wittenoom, Australia. Also included in the cohort are previous residents of Wittenoom, which are considered to have been exposed to substantial amounts of asbestos from local mining, and other persons occupationally exposed to crocidolite asbestos. It is important to note that Wittenoom has been all but abandoned (only a handful of people remain) and the government literally wiped the town off official maps, cut off all power and services, and announced the town status as revoked.

A higher than average incidence of prostate cancer was observed and the authors of the study noted the source of asbestos was significantly associated with the risk of prostate cancer. Those exposed to asbestos outside of Wittenoom were at a much greater risk than the other members of the cohort.

Another study published in 2003 analyzed participants of the Finnish Asbestos Screening Campaign. Between 1990 and 1992, a total of 23,285 men and 930 women were invited to join a national screening campaign for benign asbestos-related diseases. The participants were followed for cancer occurrence through the Finnish Cancer Register up through 1998. The study found a slightly, but significantly higher incidence of prostate cancer when compared with the total Finnish population. The incidence of lung cancer and mesothelioma was significantly higher as well.

Although limited, scientific studies such as these have documented and illuminated the possible link between asbestos exposure and prostate cancer. A lucid understanding of this plausible connection will only be achieved through further research and analysis.

Sources:

  1. http://www.prostatecancer.ca/english/prostate_owners_manual/risk_factors/lifestyle/environmental/
mesothelioma-packet
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone Number:
Email:
Diagnosis:
Comments:
terms of use
asbestos awareness wristbands
click here
Nutrition & Dieting for Cancer
Learn what foods to eat, which to avoid, and the best supplements for the fight against cancer and chemotherapy recovery. cancer nutrition
click here
Veterans Assistance
Asbestos.com's Veterans Assistance Department can help you with questions about veterans and asbestos-related illnesses or about potential benefits.
asbestos navy ships
click here
Naval Ships Index
Search through our extensive list of ships that used asbestos-containing products.
(e.g. USS Alabama BB 60)
Mesothelioma Books
Two must read books for anyone who has or who is caring for someone with mesothelioma.
mesothelioma books
click here
Get a Free Copy of Lean on Me or 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma.
Enroll in our Newsletter
Receive a copy of our monthly newsletter
with the latest clinical trials, survivor stories,
doctor profiles, and more.
Feature Story
"Success in Mesothelioma Treatment:
Dr. Robert Cameron"