Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs, has a scientific link to asbestos exposure. Anyone can suffer illness from breathing in or otherwise ingesting these harmful filaments.
However, particular individuals are more susceptible to developing the illness. Understanding who is most at risk can be helpful when it comes to early detection.
Age
Mesothelioma typically takes a long time to develop, often between 20 to 50 years after the initial asbestos contact. As a result, the disease most commonly affects older adults, usually those over the age of 60. The long latency period means it is rare in young adults and practically nonexistent in children.
Gender
Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This discrepancy is mainly due to occupation. Industries such as construction and the military, where asbestos may be present, still feature predominantly male workforces. Those in factories that use asbestos also tend to employ more men. Although women can get mesothelioma, especially when they live with individuals whose jobs expose them to asbestos, it remains less common.
Environment
People living near natural asbestos deposits or industrial sites that process asbestos may be in danger. Simply through everyday activities, anyone in such an area can unwittingly come into contact with asbestos through contaminated air, water or soil. Living in an impure zone significantly increases the odds of developing mesothelioma.
Particular segments of society are more vulnerable to mesothelioma than others. Awareness and monitoring for symptoms, especially within these demographics, will help mitigate the problem and contribute toward making this ailment a thing of the past.