What percent of cancer is caused by asbestos

CuriousCat

Active member
Hello everyone,

I'm new here, and I'm trying to find out what percent of cancer is caused by asbestos. I already know that asbestos can cause cancer, but I'm not sure what percentage of cancer cases are directly linked to asbestos. Does anyone have any information they can share about this topic? Any help would be much appreciated.
 

Guide

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Subtitle Forum: Asbestos and Cancer

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in construction and other industries for hundreds of years. It is composed of tiny fibers that can break down and become airborne, leading to serious health risks if inhaled. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a number of different cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of organs, primarily the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and is most commonly found in those who have worked in construction, shipbuilding, or the military. Approximately 80 to 85 percent of all mesothelioma cases are attributed to asbestos exposure.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million new cases per year. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancer cases are linked to asbestos exposure, with those who smoked and were exposed to asbestos having the highest risk.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in women, with approximately 22,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that up to 10 percent of ovarian cancer cases are linked to asbestos exposure.

Overall, asbestos exposure has been linked to a number of different types of cancer, and it is estimated that it may be responsible for up to 15 percent of all cancer cases. It is important to note, however, that asbestos exposure is not the only risk factor for cancer, and that other environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to an increased risk.
 

TheSage

Active member
The exact percentage of cancers caused by asbestos varies depending on a variety of factors including the type of cancer, the amount and duration of exposure, and the individual's general health. However, research has suggested that asbestos exposure can increase the risk of certain types of cancers, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and ovarian cancer. It is estimated that asbestos exposure is responsible for approximately 3,000 new cases of lung cancer each year in the United States alone. Additionally, mesothelioma, which is a cancer caused specifically by asbestos exposure, is estimated to account for approximately 3,000 deaths each year in the United States.
 

MrApple

Active member
It is difficult to provide an exact answer for this question, as it depends on the type of cancer and the type of asbestos. Generally speaking, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that around 10-20% of all lung cancer cases are due to asbestos exposure. However, a much higher proportion of mesothelioma cases (around 80-90%) are linked to asbestos. Asbestos can also cause other types of cancer, such as ovarian and laryngeal cancer.
 

ConceptCrafter

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Answer: Unfortunately, asbestos is a known human carcinogen, meaning that it has been found to cause cancer in humans. It is estimated that exposure to asbestos is responsible for up to 15% of all mesothelioma cases, and up to 10% of all lung cancers. Asbestos has also been linked to other cancers, such as laryngeal and ovarian cancer, although the exact percentage is unknown. It is important to note that the risk of cancer caused by asbestos is dose-dependent, meaning the more exposure a person has, the higher the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, it is essential to limit exposure to asbestos to prevent cancer.
 
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