Mesothelioma Risk Factors
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Although mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer, reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years. Almost all people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. In fact, a history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70% to 80% of all cases. Usually, the risk of mesothelioma will increase with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma also occurs more often in men than in women, and risk increases with age. Yet, mesothelioma may appear in either men or women at any age.
There is also some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers also have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of someone who worked with asbestos. Lastly, while smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing the disease.
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