Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It’s almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals once widely used in construction, insulation, and various other industries. But when you look at risk factors, it’s a little more complicated than that. 

So, let’s explore it in some more detail.

Exposure to Asbestos

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are tiny and become airborne when disturbed. When inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can settle in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, causing inflammation and scarring that may lead to cancer over time.

Asbestos was commonly used in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Workers who handled asbestos materials or worked in buildings where asbestos was present are at the highest risk. This includes occupations like:

  • Construction workers
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Shipyard workers
  • Automotive mechanics
  • Insulation installers

If you worked in any of these industries, you were likely exposed to asbestos. Even if you weren’t directly working with asbestos-containing materials, being in the same environment where asbestos was present could still put you at risk.

Secondary Exposure to Asbestos

It’s important to note that you don’t have to work directly with asbestos to be at risk for mesothelioma. Secondary exposure occurs when someone who works with asbestos brings the fibers home on their clothing, skin, or tools, unintentionally exposing their family members. This type of exposure has been documented in spouses and children of workers who dealt with asbestos.

If you live with someone who works in a high-risk occupation, it’s important to be aware of these secondary risks. Regular washing of work clothes and minimizing the transfer of asbestos fibers into your home can help reduce the chance of secondary exposure. However, even with these precautions, secondary exposure can still pose a significant risk.

Other Major Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

While exposure to asbestos – whether direct or secondary – is the cause of all mesothelioma cases, this begs the question: Where are you most likely to be exposed? And if exposed, are there other factors that make you more susceptible?

  • Living Near Asbestos Mines or Processing Plants

Certain geographic areas have naturally occurring asbestos or were home to asbestos mines and processing plants. If you live near these sites, you may be at risk for environmental exposure. In these areas, asbestos can be present in the soil, air, and water, increasing your chances of coming into contact with the fibers without ever stepping into a factory or construction site.

People living near former asbestos mines or manufacturing facilities that used asbestos in their production are more likely to encounter airborne asbestos fibers. If you reside in such an area or have in the past, it’s important to inform your doctor, as they may recommend regular screenings for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.


  • Age and Gender

While mesothelioma can affect people of any age, the age group most at risk is older adults, particularly those over the age of 65. This is largely because mesothelioma has a long latency period – the time between exposure to asbestos and the development of the disease. It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear after asbestos exposure.

Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are men, and this is because men were historically more likely to work in industries that used asbestos, such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. However, women who experienced secondary exposure are also at risk, and cases among women are not uncommon.

  • Smoking and Mesothelioma

While smoking itself does not directly cause mesothelioma, it can significantly increase your risk of developing other asbestos-related lung diseases, including lung cancer. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Smoking weakens your lungs and reduces your body’s ability to clear asbestos fibers, making it more difficult for your lungs to recover from asbestos exposure.

If you’ve worked with asbestos in the past, giving up smoking can help improve your lung health and reduce your overall risk of lung-related illnesses, even if it won’t eliminate the risk of mesothelioma.

  • Other Health Conditions

Certain genetic factors and pre-existing health conditions may increase the risk of developing mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. Some studies suggest that mutations in certain genes can make individuals more susceptible to the harmful effects of asbestos. Additionally, individuals with a weakened immune system due to other health conditions may have a harder time fighting off the long-term effects of asbestos exposure, increasing their risk of developing mesothelioma.

If you have a family history of cancer or have been diagnosed with any immune-related diseases, it’s essential to take extra precautions and discuss your asbestos exposure history with your healthcare provider.

Protecting Yourself and Reducing Risk

If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos, either directly or through secondary exposure, it’s critical to take steps to protect yourself and reduce your risk of developing mesothelioma. Here are some practical actions you can take:

  • Regular medical check-ups: Inform your healthcare provider about your asbestos exposure. They may recommend regular chest X-rays or CT scans to monitor for early signs of lung disease.
  • Stop smoking: If you smoke, quitting can help reduce your overall lung cancer risk, which is especially important if you’ve been exposed to asbestos.
  • Follow safety precautions at work: If you still work in an industry that may expose you to asbestos, make sure you follow all safety guidelines to minimize your exposure. Wear the appropriate protective gear, and follow decontamination procedures to prevent bringing asbestos fibers home.

Getting Treatment for Mesothelioma

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important that you act quickly and listen to the advice of your medical team. You may also find it helpful to get a second or third opinion from another doctor or mesothelioma specialist. 

The faster you move, the more likely it is that something can be done to address the cancer and/or help improve your quality of life. 

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