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Written by Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RDN | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Jacques Fontaine | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: September 18, 2024
Lung cancer is the most common cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is the second-most diagnosed cancer linked to asbestos. Statistics on mesothelioma show that it affects about 3,000 people in the U.S. each year, and it is almost exclusively caused by the naturally occurring mineral.
Other cancers linked to asbestos include ovarian cancer and laryngeal cancer. A 2021 research study suggested that asbestos fibers actively prevent their destruction by the immune system. The prolonged inflammatory response creates an environment prone to malignant transformations.
Gastrointestinal cancer and colorectal cancer have an association with asbestos, but more research is needed to establish a complete causal relationship. In some studies, an increased risk for cancer of the esophagus and kidney has been reported among those exposed to asbestos.
The four cancers determined to have a causal relationship with asbestos include lung cancer, mesothelioma cancer, ovarian cancer and laryngeal cancer. Facts and stats on each cancer include:
Learn about your diagnosis, top doctors and how to pay for treatment.
Get Your Free GuideAdditionally, some studies show an elevated risk of gastrointestinal, colorectal, esophageal and kidney cancers among those exposed to asbestos. However, studies have been inconclusive on these cancers.
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My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Dixon, S. (2024, September 18). Asbestos Cancer Facts and Statistics. Asbestos.com. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.asbestos.com/cancer/facts/
Dixon, Suzanne. "Asbestos Cancer Facts and Statistics." Asbestos.com, 18 Sep 2024, https://www.asbestos.com/cancer/facts/.
Dixon, Suzanne. "Asbestos Cancer Facts and Statistics." Asbestos.com. Last modified September 18, 2024. https://www.asbestos.com/cancer/facts/.
A medical doctor who specializes in mesothelioma or cancer treatment reviewed the content on this page to ensure it meets current medical standards and accuracy.
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Dr. Jacques Fontaine is a thoracic surgeon at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, where he heads up the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center. He specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery and aggressive surgeries for mesothelioma.
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