Mesothelioma is not hereditary or contagious. This myth likely began because spouses and children of a mesothelioma patient may develop the cancer as a result of secondary asbestos exposure. If asbestos fibers are brought into the home on the clothing, skin or in the hair of someone who worked with the mineral, family members may inhale or ingest the fibers into the body where they can cause the development mesothelioma.
Myth: Mesothelioma only develops in men.
Mesothelioma occurs in both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, mesothelioma affects men five times more often than women. This may be because asbestos use was prevalent during a time when women in the workforce were less common. Since asbestos exposure often occurred on the job, men were likely exposed to the mineral more often, increasing the incidence of mesothelioma in men.
However, once World War II began, more and more women began to enter the workplace in occupational settings where asbestos exposure was common, leading to an increase in the development of mesothelioma in women nationwide.
Myth: Mesothelioma cannot be diagnosed early.
Since it may take 20 to 50 years for a mesothelioma patient to demonstrate symptoms, many patients are not diagnosed with the cancer until it reaches later stages of development. Early diagnosis is not impossible and awareness of past asbestos exposure and understanding that asbestos exposure may lead to an increased risk of mesothelioma can greatly benefit those who may develop the cancer. Those exposed to asbestos should schedule routine checkups and contact a doctor immediately at the sign of any unusual symptoms.
Myth: Mesothelioma only develops in men.
Mesothelioma occurs in both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, mesothelioma affects men five times more often than women. This may be because asbestos use was prevalent during a time when women in the workforce were less common. Since asbestos exposure often occurred on the job, men were likely exposed to the mineral more often, increasing the incidence of mesothelioma in men.
However, once World War II began, more and more women began to enter the workplace in occupational settings where asbestos exposure was common, leading to an increase in the development of mesothelioma in women nationwide.
Myth: Mesothelioma cannot be diagnosed early.
Since it may take 20 to 50 years for a mesothelioma patient to demonstrate symptoms, many patients are not diagnosed with the cancer until it reaches later stages of development. Early diagnosis is not impossible and awareness of past asbestos exposure and understanding that asbestos exposure may lead to an increased risk of mesothelioma can greatly benefit those who may develop the cancer. Those exposed to asbestos should schedule routine checkups and contact a doctor immediately at the sign of any unusual symptoms.
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