Breast Cancer and Asbestos

Breast cancer is a prevalent disease characterized by abnormal cell growth in the breast. There are various types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, Paget's disease, medullary mucinous carcinoma, and inflammatory breast cancer. In 2022, approximately 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Natural risk factors for breast cancer include gender, age, race, early onset of menstruation, family history, and genetics. Environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals, may also contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer.

Some studies have suggested a possible connection between asbestos exposure and breast cancer. While the link between asbestos and other health conditions like mesothelioma cancer is well-established, the exact relationship between asbestos and breast cancer remains unclear.  

Statistical significance refers to the level of confidence in the results of a study or experiment. In the context of studies investigating the correlation between asbestos exposure and breast cancer, Dr. Debra David points out that many studies fail to establish a conclusive link due to a lack of statistical significance.   

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, known as "partial risk factors." Some of these factors can be controlled by individuals, such as alcohol consumption. However, many other partial risk factors are not within an individual's control without compromising their overall health. For example, receiving radiation therapy to the chest or making decisions regarding childbirth can be deeply personal choices that impact breast cancer risk.

Examples of partial risk factors include consuming more than two alcoholic drinks per day, having children after the age of 30, not having children, not breastfeeding, using the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage, recent use of birth control pills, receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT), undergoing radiation therapy to the chest area, and exposure to toxic substances or carcinogens.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 5 to 10% of breast cancer cases can be directly attributed to inherited gene mutations. However, many other factors, such as exposure to carcinogens, may be beyond a cancer patient's control. 

Summary written by the Mesothelioma Center (Asbestos.com)

For more information, visit their website, and also read important facts breast cancer and mesothelioma survival rate.

For further information, particularly the legal consequences, check out the Lanier Law Firm, which has more specific information