Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that usually appears in the lungs but is also found in the heart and organs in the abdomen. It is cancer in the cells of the mesothelial lining found around these organs. Mesothelioma grows rapidly and can be fatal if not treated aggressively. Fortunately, it is very rare among the types of cancer having only one known cause: exposure to asbestos.
New research shows that mesothelioma may be connected to colon cancer in some way. The research shows mixed results with positive confirmations and denials. In general, the research shows that mesothelioma does not cause colon cancer directly. However, the same research shows that exposure to asbestos may be the cause of colon cancer, making the common connection between the two diseases: asbestos.
Causes of Colon Cancer
The medical community has not agreed on a single or confirmed cause of color cancer. However, the research shows that there are several causes that strongly correlated with colon cancer. These causes include:
- Diet choices: Poor diet choices are linked to colon cancer. Doctors think that the consistent introduction of unhealthy diet foods can trigger changes in colon tissue cells over time, leading to the development of colon cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking is linked to many diseases including colon cancer. It introduces toxic chemicals into the body that need to be processed and removed. Since your colon is one of the last stops for these chemicals, they often reach the colon in large quantities. This may cause a mutation in cells that lead to cancer.
- Heavy alcohol consumption: Researchers linked heavy drinking to colon cancer as well. It is believed that the consistent presence of alcohol in the colon interferes with cell reproduction.
- Radiation treatments: Radiation treatments for other forms of cancer in the abdomen may contribute to the development of colon cancer. The radiation may not be fully blocked from moving down through the body, reaching the colon and causing problems with cell reproduction.
There are other causes of colorectal cancer that are not covered on this list. Any symptoms that point to colon cancer should be investigated by a qualified doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention is the key to improving survival odds.
Mesothelioma and Colon Cancer
Colon cancer and mesothelioma have an implied connection since patients that have one are more likely to develop the other. Extensive medical research has been done to see if mesothelioma can cause colon cancer. However, a definitive link has yet to be discovered.
Researchers found a connection between mesothelioma and colon cancer through a known cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found a correlation between asbestos exposure and colon cancer, hinting that the two are somehow connected. There is no definitive proof that mesothelioma can cause colon cancer. It is not guaranteed that contracting one disease means someone will contract the other.
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Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
There are many risk factors for colon cancer. Asbestos may be a risk factor, but the medical community has determined a large number of risk factors based on lifestyles and other forms of exposure. Some of the risk factors for colon cancer include:
- Family history: Colon cancer tends to run in families and the chances of developing it increase if members of your family have it.
- Inflammatory diseases: Inflammatory diseases in the intestines can be a risk factor. It is an early sign that your intestines and colon may be susceptible to problems that change how they function.
- Smoking: Smoking for a long time greatly raises the chances of developing colon cancer. It is believed that the consistent exposure to toxic chemicals found in smoking items can damage cells leading to the development of cancer cells.
- Heavy drinking: Consistent alcohol consumption in large amounts is believed to damage colon cells and can cause cancer cells to develop.
- High-fat diets: There is a connection between colon cancer and high-fat diets.
- Radiation treatments: Radiation from other cancer treatments may move through the body and damage cells in the colon. Every precaution is taken to shield the rest of the body from radiation. However, it is not guaranteed that radiation will not reach other body parts.
- Old age: The risk of developing colon cancer increases for everyone as they age.
There are many other risk factors for colon cancer not covered on this list. If the symptoms of colon cancer appear, see a doctor as soon as possible to confirm a diagnosis. Also, schedule regular examinations with a doctor to check for cancer signs. Early intervention can make a substantial difference in the treatment outcomes.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for Legal Support
If you have mesothelioma and colon cancer, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 307-3113 to learn more.
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