Scientific studies have historically found no definitive link between occupational asbestos exposure and bladder cancer, even in people with heavy amounts of exposure. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, only one report in the past 40 years, “A Molecular and Epidemiological Study on Bladder Cancer,” successfully linked asbestos exposure to bladder cancer.
Despite the findings, researchers do not yet know all the negative effects of working with and around asbestos fibers. Swallowing asbestos fibers, for example, could allow them to travel to the bladder, or these fibers could land in the bladder in another way. Researchers still have to conduct further studies to confirm that asbestos exposure can cause bladder cancer.
Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Many Types of Cancers
Asbestos exposure may not cause bladder cancer, but it can contribute to your risk for numerous other types of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos exposure may increase your risk of developing cancer in respiratory and abdominal areas.
Cancers affecting the respiratory system may include:
- Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the lungs
- Lung cancer
- Cancer of the larynx (voice box)
- Cancer of the pharynx (throat)
Cancers affecting organs in the abdomen may include:
- Stomach cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the abdomen
The carcinogenic properties of asbestos can cause great damage to your health, especially through regular occupational exposure. Studies have linked asbestos exposure to other types of cancers, especially lung cancer, so your history of asbestos exposure presents a health risk regardless.
Exposure to Other Industrial Chemicals Can Cause Bladder Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many other occupational exposures could put you at an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. For example, a study on the environmental risk factors for bladder cancer shows a strong link between industrial chemicals known as aromatic amines and bladder cancer. Benzidine and beta-naphthylamine are two examples of frequently used carcinogenic industrial chemicals that contribute to bladder cancer.
If you work in certain industries and develop bladder cancer, exposure to other aromatic amines instead of asbestos may have caused your cancer. You may still be able to pursue some type of compensation, depending on the facts of your case, especially if you are a worker producing:
- Rubber items
- Leather goods
- Other textiles
- Paint
People who work as machinists, printers, or hairstylists may also work in areas with heavy exposure to aromatic amines.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 217-6099
Pursuing an Award Based on Your Asbestos-Related Cancer Diagnosis
The mass tort brought against asbestos product manufacturers applied to many cases over the past 40 years. Most cases focus on mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis and other nonmalignant conditions, but some people have made compelling cases for an award based on cancer that developed in another area of the body.
To pursue financial awards, you need strong evidence to link your cancer to asbestos fibers. Your surgeon may discover asbestos fibers in the tissue removed during a resection, for example. You will need to present a compelling case with strong medical evidence that your cancer occurred or progressed as a result of your exposure in order to receive financial awards.
If you believe your bladder cancer occurred because of occupational exposure to asbestos, or exposure to other aromatic amines, you may want to discuss your case with an asbestos cancer attorney. An attorney may be able to help you file a claim and take other legal action.
Taking Legal Action in an Asbestos Cancer Case
If you believe there is a link between your bladder cancer and exposure to asbestos, you may benefit from having a lawyer look at the details of your case. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we will review your case for free. Our attorneys can determine if you are eligible to file a claim or pursue a lawsuit against an asbestos company or an employer.
With our team on your side, you pay nothing out of pocket and nothing up front. Our attorneys only collect payment if we recover a payout for you. To get started with your complimentary consultation, call (800) 217-6099 today.
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