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Can Asbestos Cause Breast Cancer

What Makes Asbestos Dangerous

Can Bladder Cancer Be Caused By Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos fibres are released into the air when people handle asbestos-containing materials with poor safety procedures. Asbestos fibres are around 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair, can be invisible and be breathed in easily. They can become trapped deep in your lungs and cause damage over a long time.

The two asbestos-containing material groups include:

  • Bonded ;asbestos;materials, made up of a bonding agent with asbestos fibres added. They usually contain less than 15% of asbestos and normally do not release fibres unless they are disturbed, damaged or have deteriorated over time.
  • Friable ;asbestos;materials are those which can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand. Bonded asbestos can become friable if severely fire damaged or crusted. Friable asbestos materials are the most dangerous as the fibres can be released into the air.

Evidence Asbestos Exposure Contributes To Breast Cancer

There is some evidence that asbestos could be a contributing cause of breast cancer in some women. Studies researching a link between breast cancer and asbestos exposure have been inconclusive; however, there is significant evidence of a link to make a compelling case.

In a 2009 Australian study, nearly 3,000 women participated from a town that was home to an asbestos manufacturing company until 1966. These women were compared to the general population. It was found that ovarian and cervical cancer rates were higher in those living near the factory; however, breast cancer rates did not vary. In a similar UK study, results were different. In this study, there was a slightly increased incidence of breast cancer in women who lived near asbestos manufacturing. Another British study found that women with asbestos fibers in their lungs were more likely to have breast cancer.

How asbestos contributes to breast cancer is not understood. Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma and lung cancer after fibers are inhaled and become lodged in human tissue. It is possible that asbestos fibers move through lymphatic fluid to chest and breast tissue, potentially contributing to the development of breast cancer. Another hypothesis is that fibers pierce lung and pleural tissue and migrate into the chest wall.

Is Asbestos Exposure And Breast Cancer Linked

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  • Breast cancer is the second-most common type of cancer among women, with 1 in 8 women in the United States being diagnosed at some point in their lives. While there are many different natural risk factors that can cause men and women to develop breast cancer, there are also environmental factors that can also play a big role.

    Natural factors can include gender, age, race, or family medical history, and environmental factors include exposure to ionizing and nonionizing radiation, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals. While the link between asbestos and breast cancer appears to be thin, some studies have found a potential link between the two.

    What is Asbestos?

    Asbestos is a carcinogen, which is a substance that causes cancer in living tissue. Asbestos has been linked to other forms of cancer, such as mesothelioma, but its correlation to breast cancer has been uncertain thus far.

    How Could Asbestos Link to Breast Cancer?

    Researchers have found an elevated number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer who have been exposed to asbestos fibers, but how those fibers directly affect breast tissue has yet to be determined. While there have been studies to try and find the correlation between asbestos exposure and breast cancer, the main issue researchers have is the ability to achieve statistical significance, which means there were not enough women participating in the study to make it statistically conclusive.

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    What Types Of Cancer Are Caused By Talc

    At least two types of cancer are caused by talc-based powders, according to medical research and the lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of cosmetic talcum powders. The research and lawsuits generally involve one of two types of cancer:

    • Ovarian cancer in those who used talcum powder products in their underwear and for personal hygiene use
    • Mesothelioma in those who used cosmetic powders and inhaled them into their lungs

    If you developed ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or another type of reproductive tract or lung cancer after using talcum powder products, a link between your cancer diagnosis and the alleged asbestos contamination in many talc-based products may entitle you to recover monetary damages. You will likely qualify to file a lawsuit and join the ongoing multidistrict litigation related to these defective and dangerous products or take other action.

    How Common Is Brca Gene Mutation

    Asbestos Exposure Cancer Risk

    National Breast Cancer Foundation statistics reveal that one in 400 women carry the genetic mutation. The reason Ms. Jolie decided to undergo a double mastectomyeven though she was not diagnosed with breast canceris that 55% to 65% of women with the BRCA1 mutation are estimated to develop breast cancer before age 70.

    In comparison, 12% of women without the mutation are likely to develop the condition by age 70.;

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    Chronic Bronchitis And Asbestos Exposure During Military Service

    Posted on 02/12/2020byStan GottfredsoninAsbestos

    According to the most recent statistics, there are more than 18 million veterans living in the U.S. today. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention , veterans account for 30 percent of the estimated 3,000 mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year and the 10,000 annual deaths from all asbestos-related diseases.

    Prior to the mid-1970s, the unrivaled properties of asbestos made it a highly desirable shipbuilding material. Generally, reliable work histories provide the most practical and useful measure of occupational asbestos exposure. Navy jobs that were at high risk of long-term asbestos exposure include boilermen, pipefitters, hull technicians, welders, machinist mates, damage controlmen, shipbuilders, electrician’s mates, and machinery repair technicians.

    Asbestos Exposure And Breast Cancer

    Asbestos is a carcinogen that has been linked conclusively to other health conditions such as mesothelioma cancer, but its exact correlation to breast cancer is uncertain. Although researchers have noted an elevated incidence of breast cancer in women who have been exposed to asbestos fibers, studies have not yet determined how asbestos directly affects breast tissue.

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    How Asbestos Cancers Are Diagnosed

    Diagnosing asbestos cancer is a lengthy process. These tumors can be mistaken for other cancers and less severe conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis. The details of every patients diagnosis may vary, but the order of events is generally the same.

    • Referral: If a primary care physician suspects a patient has signs of cancer, the patient will be referred to a cancer specialist.
    • Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans help doctors look inside the body for tumors or other signs of cancer, such as inflammation.
    • Blood Tests: Blood tests look for signs of cancer such as abnormal blood cell counts. They can also help determine if cancer treatment is effective.
    • Cancer Biopsies: Biopsies are tissue samples collected from a tumor. Pathologists use the results to determine cancer cell type and confirm a diagnosis of asbestos cancer, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer or ovarian cancer.

    After a positive diagnosis from a biopsy, doctors treat mesothelioma and other forms of asbestos cancer with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or multimodal therapy, which is a combination of these options.

    With chemotherapy, the specific drugs used vary depending on the disease site. Immunotherapy has a history of success in lung cancer, and in 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the treatment for mesothelioma. Clinical trials continue to identify new therapies for asbestos-related cancer.;

    Suffering From Chronic Bronchitis As A Result Of Asbestos Exposure Makes You Considerably More Likely To Develop Mesothelioma And Lung Cancer

    How Does Asbestos Cause Lung Cancer? | Lung Foundation Australia

    The dominant illnesses that mimic chronic bronchitis symptoms are pneumonia and asthma. Shortness of breath, episodes of wheezing and coughing, are common signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis and asbestos exposure, which definitely boost questions about the diagnosis. It is imperative to know that suffering from chronic bronchitis as a result of asbestos exposure makes you considerably more likely to develop mesothelioma and lung cancer in the years to come.

    Lack of perceivable symptoms in the early stages of any asbestos-related illness contributes to tardy diagnosis. Due to the extensive use of asbestos in naval ships, veterans who served in the Navy should participate in regular screenings for the rest of their life to ensure timely diagnosis of all pulmonary asbestos-related conditions.

    One of the criteria for the accurate diagnosis of asbestos-related pulmonary disorders is the exclusion of alternative plausible causes for the clinical findings, which is why physicians should obtain details of the patient’s history of exposure to asbestos.

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    Other Cancers Associated With Asbestos Exposure

    The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified other types of cancer strongly associated with asbestos exposure, but research is ongoing to determine if asbestos is the cause.;

    Asbestos fibers most often lodge in lung tissue and the pleural lining of the lungs. They also migrate into organs and tissues in other areas of the body, leading researchers to study the connection between asbestos and many types of cancer.

    Partial evidence has linked asbestos with these cancers, but there is not yet strong enough data to conclude asbestos definitively causes these diseases. Lifestyle factors may increase your risk of developing cancer after asbestos exposure. These include smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor dietary habits and poor physical fitness.;

    Lifestyle behaviors dont directly lead to mesothelioma, but poor habits may worsen overall health and prognosis. Smoking and alcohol use may also cause other types of cancer, such as lung or liver cancer.

    Symptoms Of Asbestos Cancer

    People with a history of asbestos exposure should seek regular health screenings. They should pay special attention to the following signs, which may signal cancer:

    • Respiratory System Symptoms: Shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain are symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and lung cancer.
    • Digestive System Symptoms: Swelling and pain, digestion issues, changes in bowel habits and nausea are symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, stomach cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer.
    • Reproductive System Symptoms: Menstrual changes, fatigue, back pain and pain during sex can be symptoms of ovarian cancer.
    • Throat Symptoms: A chronic sore throat, persistent hoarseness, feeling the need to clear your throat often and difficulty swallowing can signal laryngeal cancer and pleural mesothelioma.

    The path to an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis can be different for everyone, but an earlier diagnosis allows for more treatment options with a more favorable prognosis and improved survival.;

    Connect with a Top Mesothelioma Specialist

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    What Is Asbestos Asbestos Is The Name For A Group Of Naturally Occurring Fibrous Minerals That Have Been Widely Used Because Theyre Durable And Resist High Heat

    There are 2 main categories of asbestos:

    Amphibole asbestos is often called blue or brown asbestos. It causes cancer and is not used very much anymore. Amphibole asbestos has many different subtypes, including actinolite, amosite,;anthophyllite, crocidolite and tremolite.

    Serpentine asbestos is sometimes called white asbestos or chrysotile asbestos. It too causes cancer. Chrysotile asbestos is currently the;most commonly used;form of asbestos in the world. Its found in almost all asbestos-based products available today, including brake linings, building materials, water and sewer pipes and insulation.

    Chronic Bronchitis Misdiagnosis May Affect Your Treatment And Prognosis But Also The Financial Compensation You Deserve

    Breast Cancer Awareness

    Generally, patients with chronic bronchitis do not file a claim because they think their illness is not severe enough to deserve financial compensation. If the majority of the asbestos exposure occurred during active duty asbestos diseases entitle veterans to compensation benefits. Veterans may be eligible to receive rightful compensation from one or multiple asbestos trust funds and VA disability compensations for chronic bronchitis if they can prove that their condition was acquired while in military service.

    Misdiagnosis is very common among asbestos exposure victims and for this reason, we advise veterans to always seek a second opinion from a doctor specializing in asbestos-related diseases. In addition to the further advancement of the illness, injury or complications from the wrong treatment and permanent disabilities, a misdiagnosis can also lead to recovering less amount of compensation than that you are entitled to because the financial compensation is mainly decided on the basis of the severity of your disease, meaning that the most severe asbestos-related diseases receive the highest compensation values. To learn more, call us at

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    Financial Aid For Cancer Patients

    Because of the asbestos industrys negligence and responsibility for causing asbestos cancers, mesothelioma lawyers have helped patients secure many types of compensation for asbestos exposure. Legal options include personal injury claims, which can be filed by anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma, and wrongful death claims, which are filed by loved ones after a mesothelioma death.;

    Many mesothelioma defendants decide to settle cases out of court. An asbestos law firm can help determine if the settlement will be more beneficial compared to a jury trial. Many companies have also established trust funds to cover legal claims filed against them.;

    The added costs of a cancer diagnosis can be difficult for families to manage, but additional help is available for those needing assistance. Financial aid can help cover the high cost of cancer treatment, transportation, lodging, lost wages and caregiving expenses.;The Mesothelioma Center offers a free Financial Aid for Cancer Patients Guide, which provides more than 40 resources for patients, from help in funding medication and treatment to support for low-income families and veterans.

    How Can Workers Protect Themselves From Asbestos Exposure

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a component of the U.S. Department of Labor and is the Federal agency responsible for health and safety regulations in maritime, construction, manufacturing, and service workplaces. OSHA established regulations dealing with asbestos exposure on the job, specifically in construction work, shipyards, and general industry, that employers are required to follow. In addition, the Mine Safety and Health Administration , another component of DOL, enforces regulations related to mine safety. Workers should use all protective equipment provided by their employers and follow recommended workplace practices and safety procedures. For example, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health -approved respirators that fit properly should be worn by workers when required.

    Workers who are concerned about asbestos exposure in the workplace should discuss the situation with other employees, their employee health and safety representative, and their employers. If necessary, OSHA can provide more information or make an inspection. Information about regional offices can also be found on OSHAs;website at .

    Office of Public Affairs

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    Breast Cancer Causes And Risks

    Breast cancer is a type of malignant cancer that is most common with women. It is the most common type of cancer in women within the UK. Symptoms that lead to women consulting their doctor include lumps, thickened breast tissue, an inverted nipple and changes to the skin on the breast.

    An exact cause of breast cancer is not known and is considered to be complex and individual to each case. Cells grow abnormally within the breast tissue and divide rapidly. This causes a tumour, but it is not understood why this happens. There are several defined risk factors for breast cancer and exposure to asbestos may be one.

    Risk factors for breast cancer include the genetic make-up as a contributing factor of breast cancer. Other factors include being female and older, family history of breast cancer, being obese, never having a child, radiation exposure, undergoing menopause hormone therapy and drinking.

    The Link Between Asbestos And Cancer

    All forms of asbestos cause cancer

    Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been in commercial use for over 100 years. Asbestos was used to build houses, ships, and other products because it is very durable and resists fire, water, and electricity. There are two main types of asbestos: amphibole and chrysotile.

    The Dangerous Truth About Asbestos

    Since the 1980s, many governments across the globe have discouraged the use of asbestos because a large body of scientific research shows that asbestos can cause people to develop cancer.

    For decades, men and women worked to support their families at construction sites, mills, shipyards, plants, and other worksites. These workers never imagined their livelihood would put them at an increased risk of cancer.

    Unfortunately, many occupations in the 20th century exposed workers to asbestos products. Decades after the fact, these workers are now getting sick.

    Even worse, many companies that manufactured asbestos-containing products knew of the dangers that asbestos posed but chose not to warn anyone. These companies prioritized profits over the safety of their workers and the public.

    Their negligence and corporate greed are why thousands of men and women who developed asbestos-related cancer may now be eligible for compensation. Fortunately, Sokolove Law attorneys specialize in asbestos-related cancer cases. If your cancer is linked to asbestos, we can begin your free case evaluation today.

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    What Factors Affect The Risk Of Developing An Asbestos

    Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including:

    • Dose
    • Duration
    • Size, shape, and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers
    • Individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung disease
    • Genetic factors, such as having a germline mutation in BAP1

    Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, the results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time .

    How Asbestos Causes Cancer

    The truth is: There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and there never has been.

    Asbestos and all commercial forms of asbestos are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans.

    National Toxicology Program, Department of Health and Human Services

    When an asbestos-containing product or material is broken, disturbed, or destroyed, asbestos fibers are released into the air around them. If these fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they will enter the body and get stuck.

    Asbestos fibers can get trapped inside:

    • One or both lungs
    • The protective lining of the lungs
    • The chest wall or protective abdominal lining
    • The hearts protective lining
    • Other areas of the body, including the larynx and ovaries

    Sadly, most people who are exposed to asbestos will not notice or feel any health effects at first. This is because asbestos-related diseases often take a few decades to develop. It typically takes between 20-50 years for cancer to develop after someone was first exposed to the carcinogen.

    Early on, asbestos fibers will only cause mild irritation and inflammation. The problem lies in how long this inflammation persists. Asbestos fibers cannot be broken down or removed from the human body. As a result, the damage they inflict only worsens over time.

    Asbestos Exposure Time

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