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Prostate Cancer and Asbestos Exposure

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in a gland of the male reproductive system. It is a slow-growing cancer that typically develops in men over the age of 50. Symptoms commonly associated with prostate cancer include pain and difficulty urinating, among others. Factors such as genetics and diet have been implicated in the occurrence of the cancer and some studies have shown exposure to asbestos may increase the risk developing prostate cancer.

Studies Analyzing the Connection

A study that evaluated workers from a crocidolite asbestos mine in Wittenoom, Australia showed a higher than average incidence rate of prostate cancer. Local residents who were exposed to significant levels of asbestos were also included in the study. It should be noted that the town of Wittenoom has been abandoned and the government has announced the town’s status as revoked.

Another study that was published in 2003 took a look at participants of the Finnish Asbestos Screening Campaign. A total of 23,285 men and 930 women were invited to join a national screening for benign asbestos-related diseases between 1990 and 1992. All participants were followed for cancer occurrence until 1998. The study revealed a significantly higher incidence rate of prostate cancer in comparison to the total Finnish population. Lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma were also found to have higher incidence rates.

Other risk factors such as obesity, smoking cigarettes and lack of exercise have been observed for their connection to prostate cancer as well. The amount of asbestos exposure can have a significant impact on whether a person develops cancer or an asbestos-related disease. Those who believe they may have had a history of being exposed to asbestos should meet with a qualified physician to check for signs of asbestos exposure and cancer development. Finding an asbestos-related condition at an early stage of development can make a big difference in treatment options and overall survival.

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