What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
Where Does Asbestos Exposure Occur? Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma, especially within factory, construction, mining, shipbuilding, other manufacturing industries and among veterans and mechanics.
How do most people get mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. It accounts for less than 0.3% of all cancer diagnoses in the country. There are four types of mesothelioma: Pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and testicular. Pleural is the most common type, representing about 75% of all mesothelioma cases.
What causes mesothelioma and how do people get exposed to it?
Peritoneal mesothelioma can form in the abdomen when inhaled asbestos fibers are coughed up and then swallowed. Many people are exposed to very low levels of naturally occurring asbestos in outdoor air. It’s in dust that comes from rocks and soil containing asbestos.
Can you get mesothelioma without being exposed to asbestos?
In rare cases, individuals develop mesothelioma without any obvious asbestos or erionite exposure. The cause in such cases is unknown (idiopathic or spontaneous mesothelioma). In such cases, it is possible that individuals experienced unknown exposure to asbestos or erionite.
How can you avoid mesothelioma?
The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to asbestos. To minimize your risk, always wear protective gear and follow safety precautions when working with asbestos. A knowledgeable professional can check your home if you suspect you have asbestos or see any damage that could lead to exposure.
What else can cause mesothelioma?
Factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include:
- Personal history of asbestos exposure.
- Living with someone who works with asbestos.
- A family history of mesothelioma.
- Radiation therapy to the chest.
Can mesothelioma be caused by smoking?
Smoking. By itself, smoking does not increase the risk of mesothelioma, but the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure can increase the risk of certain types of cancer in the lungs.
Does exercise prevent mesothelioma?
Collectively, epidemiological evidence suggests that physical activity has tumour-mitigating properties across many cancers. Exercise holds potential as an intervention to delay or prevent mesothelioma in asbestos exposed individuals.
Who is most at risk for mesothelioma?
“These include construction workers, firefighters, power plant workers, industrial workers, shipyard workers and Navy veterans who served between the 1930s and 1980s, when ships and other military facilities contained asbestos products.”
How can you prevent mesothelioma?
Why is mesothelioma so rare?
This is because of the heavy use of asbestos in industry from the end of the second world war up until the mid 1970s. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer.
How can you reduce the risk of mesothelioma?
The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid inhaling or ingesting asbestos. Reduce your risk of exposure by wearing protective gear when working with products that could potentially contain asbestos. Always consult a professional for asbestos testing and removal.
What can be done to prevent mesothelioma?
Can you protect yourself from asbestos?
Gloves protect the hands from sharp objects and reduce the amount of asbestos contamination on your hands. Several pairs of durable, disposable rubber or cloth gloves should be purchased. Gloves should be worn by each person in the work area.