How mesothelioma affects women

Mesothelioma has always been rarer among women than among men, but the incidence rate among women is still nothing to ignore. While there are 1.93 cases of mesothelioma per 100,000 men in the U.S., there are 0.41 per 100,000 women. Residents of Louisville should know that the number one cause of mesothelioma in both men and women is asbestos exposure.

Historically, women have had secondary contact with asbestos through men who work in those industries, such as plumbing, welding and auto repair, that use materials containing asbestos. The asbestos fibers can stick to men’s clothing and hair. Women have also been exposed to the mineral as schoolteachers since school buildings can contain asbestos materials. Environmental exposure is another factor as some towns are built around asbestos mines.

While mesothelioma is typically diagnosed at a late stage in men, it can be diagnosed earlier in women. This makes women better candidates for the aggressive treatments that are used to fight mesothelioma. As they tend to also respond better to these treatments, women experience a longer survival time.

On the other hand, because mesothelioma in women cannot always be connected to workplace exposure, women have a harder time taking legal action over their condition. It is not impossible, though, to hold a company responsible for asbestos exposure.

Those who receive a cancer diagnosis and link it to asbestos exposure may want to see a lawyer who focuses on personal injury law. Personal injury lawyers may have a network of investigators and other third parties to take a deeper look into the case and gather evidence against the manufacturer, mining company, construction company or other employer that exposed plaintiffs to asbestos. The lawyer may speak a victim’s behalf for a settlement covering all past and future medical costs.