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4 types of cancer linked to asbestos exposure

On Behalf of | Oct 18, 2024 | Asbestos, Mesothelioma, Talcum Powder

While asbestos was once a common building material, we now know exposure to this material can cause serious health problems, including different types of cancer. Knowing what types of cancer asbestos can cause is a key step for people suffering from these serious medical conditions.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of the most well-known cancers linked to asbestos exposure. This rare and aggressive cancer can form in the lining of the lungs or the abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma, though the symptoms might not appear until decades after someone first breathes in asbestos.

Lung cancer

This type of cancer is more common than mesothelioma because many other factors can also contribute to the development of lung cancer. However, anyone exposed to asbestos should know that their exposure increased the risk of lung cancer.

Laryngeal cancer

There is evidence that asbestos exposure can cause cancer in the larynx, or voice box. Breathing in asbestos fibers can irritate and inflame the larynx. Over time, the carcinogenic asbestos fibers may cause cancer in this part of the body.

Ovarian cancer

While many people know about the ways that asbestos can impact the respiratory system when breathed in, it is important to note that exposure can also increase the risk of cancer elsewhere in the body.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found that asbestos exposure greatly increases the risk of death by ovarian cancer.

Even though asbestos use has dropped a lot over the years, people who encountered asbestos many years ago might still get sick. Knowing about the cancers linked to asbestos and the risk factors can help people figure out if their health issues might be due to past asbestos exposure.