Listed below are some of the known risk factors for this cancer. Not all of the risk factors below may cause this cancer, but they may be contributing factors.
- Mesothelioma is not common.
- In 60-70% of mesothelioma cases the person has been exposed to asbestos.
- People at highest risk are those employed in these areas:
- the asbestos industry
- dockyard workers, especially if they dismantle asbestos-insulated steam piping
- workers who handle and manufacture asbestos compounds
- insulators and steam fitters
- demolition and construction workers
- Men are most commonly affected because they are usually employed in this type of industry.
- Spouses and children of asbestos workers are also at risk, especially if soiled work clothing was brought into the home.
- The time between exposure to asbestos and when mesothelioma develops may be as long as 20-50 years. That is why mesothelioma usually affects men in their 50s, 60s and 70s.
- Statistics
- BC - There were 72 new cases of mesothelioma in British Columbia in 2007.
- Canada - There were 459 new cases of malignant mesothelioma in Canada in 2005.
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