Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

Risk factors are those activities that increase the chance of getting a particular condition or disease. Scientists have found several risk factors that make a person more likely to develop mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a very rare cancer and the vast majority of cases are associated with exposure to asbestos, either its production or use in various industries and products. In fact, because asbestos is used so widely in the building and other industries, even in those cases where a history of asbestos exposure is not evident, it is likely that the victim was exposed without his/her knowledge.

Factors that are not associated with risk for developing mesothelioma are:

• Sex. Although men are more at risk for malignant mesothelioma, this is because they were more typically involved in industries mining or using asbestos.
  
  
• Race. No association ahs been shown between race and the development of malignant mesothelioma.
  
  
• Smoking. Smoking tobacco does not appear to increase the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma in those exposed to asbestos. However, smoking does greatly increase the risk of developing bronchogenic lung cancer, i.e. arising in the breathing tubes/airways.

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