A new study by Italian scientists has found that a person’s risk of pleural mesothelioma stops increasing 40 years after their exposure to asbestos. Importantly, this only applies to the pleural form of the cancer. Sadly, the risk of getting peritoneal mesothelioma and other lung/ovarian cancers seems to continue to increase.
What is pleural mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer which primarily affects the membrane around the lungs. There are other forms of mesothelioma which affect other areas of the body. However, this is the most common form of the cancer and accounts for 80-90% of all mesothelioma cases. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this cancer is poor. Fortunately, research into kinder, life-prolonging treatments is taking place all the time. To learn more about this cancer please click here.
The study:
The study considered a large sample of Italian workers who had been exposed to asbestos in their workplace. The scientists conducting the study used data which covered over 40 previous studies on Italian workers and their exposure to asbestos. These workers included those who:
- Used asbestos in construction.
- Transported asbestos.
- Worked with cement made from asbestos.
The data from these previous studies allowed the scientists to analyse the death rates of 51,801 workers who had worked with asbestos. The dates of death ranged from 1970 to 2010 and of the 51,801 workers, 43% had died. Of those who had died, the cause of death was established in 95% of cases.
What was the result of the study?
Firstly, the results showed that following on from the person’s first exposure to asbestos, their risk of developing cancers affecting the peritoneum, pleura, ovaries, and lungs increased. In addition, the results showed that their risk of developing bladder cancer and asbestosis also increased.
However, the risk of a former asbestos worker dying of pleural mesothelioma stopped increasing forty years after they were exposed. Most noteworthy was that some evidence even showed that the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma actually decreased after forty years. However, the risk of peritoneal mesothelioma continued to increase.
How can we help?
Do you require assistance in pursuing an asbestos compensation claim for mesothelioma or other asbestos disease? If so, please contact us today by calling our Freephone number on 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, you can head over to our contact us page and fill in the form here.