Confirmed Cancers

In addition to mesothelioma and lung cancer, two other cancers have a confirmed causal relationship with asbestos exposure.

Ovarian Cancer

Facts about Ovarian Cancer

• Fifth most common cancer among women
• Causes more deaths than other female reproductive cancers
• Asbestos-contaminated talc has caused some cases

Ovarian cancer, in which the ovary’s surface cells or egg cells become cancerous, can be caused by asbestos exposure. Traditional asbestos exposure (through inhalation or ingestion) can lead to ovarian cancer, as can perineal asbestos exposure (direct application of asbestos to the body via asbestos-contaminated undergarments, sanitary napkins or diaphragms). After entering the body, asbestos can reach the ovaries through the blood, lymph nodes or reproductive tract.

Asbestos-related ovarian cancer is more likely to occur in women who were exposed through multiple sources for an extended period of time (37.4 years or longer). Women diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer were also more likely to develop an additional ovarian cancer.

Laryngeal Cancer

Facts about Laryngeal Cancer

• Incidence rates are more than four times higher in men
• Risk increases with tobacco use or excessive alcohol use
• Symptoms include abnormal breathing, cough and neck pain.

Asbestos exposure is proven to cause cancer of the larynx (the structure that contains the vocal cords). Because the larynx lies directly in the path of an inhaled air stream, asbestos fibers can easily become lodged in the laryngeal mucosa. Other studies have suggested that asbestos-containing sputum can land on the larynx after being coughed up from the lungs.

Sufficient evidence has been provided to confirm a dose-response association in which higher levels of asbestos exposure lead to a higher likelihood of developing laryngeal cancer. One notable study of 11,144 roofing and waterproofing workers presented a statistically significant increase in laryngeal cancer in the asbestos-exposed population. The study also indicated that cigarette smoke was a contributing factor in the incidence of the cancer.

Associated Cancers

Two other cancers have been strongly associated with asbestos exposure, but whether a direct causal relationship exists is still under investigation.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Facts about Gastrointestinal Cancer

• Average age at the time of diagnosis is 61.4 years old
• Can arise in either the midgut, foregut or hindgut
• One study found that between 15,524 cases among 12 different occupations associated with mesothelioma.

The World Health Organization already associates gastrointestinal cancers with asbestos exposure and numerous studies have reported increased incidence of the cancers in asbestos-exposed populations. Gastrointestinal cancers can involve tumors in a number of locations along the gastrointestinal tract. According to one major study of asbestos installation workers, asbestos is more likely to get trapped in the upper gastrointestinal tract (i.e. esophagus and stomach) than the lower sites (i.e. the colon and the rectum).