Those with previous exposure to asbestos should be aware of the risk factors for developing mesothelioma cancer in order to help them assess their risk and monitor their health.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. As such, the primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to the toxic mineral asbestos. The cancer has earned a reputation as being particularly difficult to treat, and to date no cure has been found. Some patients who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of treatments (known as multimodality therapy) in hopes of improving their mesothelioma life expectancy.
Although small amounts of asbestos exposure have been known to cause mesothelioma cancer, most patients experienced occupational exposure on a heavy, repeated basis. Thus, being occupationally exposed to asbestos is a major risk factor. Additionally, secondary exposure to asbestos is a risk factor, which occurs when someone occupationally exposed brings asbestos home on their hair, skin and clothes.
Most mesothelioma patients are elderly due to the latency period associated with the cancer, which ranges from 20 to 50 years following initial exposure to asbestos. The average age of a mesothelioma patient at diagnosis is 65 years. And three times more men develop the disease than women due to their employment in industries known for asbestos exposure. Although smoking cigarettes is not considered a risk factor for mesothelioma, if an asbestos-exposed person smokes they can compromise the health of their lungs and potentially make it harder for their body to fight off the development of an asbestos-related disease.
Understanding the risk factors for mesothelioma helps those exposed to asbestos assess lifestyle choices and monitor their health for signs of asbestos exposure. Because symptoms for mesothelioma resemble less serious pulmonary conditions, it is important for asbestos-exposed persons to inform their physician of their exposure and seek regular medical exams for signs of asbestos disease.
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the mesothelioma Center.