Is Mesothelioma More Prevalent Among Men or Women?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that can touch the lives of anyone exposed to asbestos. Is mesothelioma more prevalent among men or women?
The ways this disease affects people can vary depending on gender. In these cases, men are more likely to develop the disease.
In this blog, we will explore why that happens and how women can still face exposure to this cancer.
Why Men Are Affected More Often?
When it comes to mesothelioma, men make up the bulk of cases. According to the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the global incidence of mesothelioma was 0.46 per 100,000 men, compared to 0.17 per 100,000 women in 2020. This has to do with the types of jobs men held during the peak of asbestos use in the 20th century.
Construction workers, shipbuilders, factory employees, and miners were all in overwhelmingly male industries. Unfortunately, that meant they directly worked with asbestos-containing materials.
Whether they were installing insulation, working on ship engines, or repairing automotive brakes, they were surrounded by airborne asbestos fibers daily.
Many of these men had no idea of the danger they faced, especially before asbestos regulations were introduced in the 1970s. These workers were not warned about the risks, and protective gear was often nonexistent.
Tragically, decades later, this exposure has come back to haunt many of them in the form of mesothelioma.
Military service has also played a role. Men who served in the armed forces, especially in the Navy, were regularly exposed to asbestos used in ships and bases.
Veterans make up nearly one-third of all the mesothelioma cases, and the effects are especially devastating because many veterans didn’t have a choice. They were following orders and working where they were told.
Women and Mesothelioma
While men make up the majority of mesothelioma cases, women are not immune. Many women diagnosed with mesothelioma had no idea they were ever exposed to asbestos until they began experiencing symptoms decades later.
Women are more likely to have encountered asbestos through secondary exposure or environmental contamination. These women were exposed because they were caring for their families. For example, wives who washed their husbands’ work clothes often came into direct contact with asbestos fibers that clung to fabric, hair, and skin.
Women have also faced exposure through environmental contamination. In communities near asbestos mines or manufacturing plants, asbestos fibers could spread into the air and settle in homes, schools, and playgrounds.
Finally, some women were unknowingly exposed to consumer products. Talcum powder was found to be contaminated with asbestos in some instances. Women who used these products regularly later developed mesothelioma without ever realizing the link.
Differences in Disease Progression
There’s some encouraging news for women: The American Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that women diagnosed with mesothelioma tend to live longer than men. Some researchers believe biological differences, like hormone levels or immune system responses, could play a role.
Additionally, women are more likely to develop peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen. In these situations, they may respond better to treatment than the more common pleural form that affects the lungs.
For men, the disease often progresses more aggressively. This is due to the higher asbestos exposure levels many experienced during their working years.
Legal Challenges and Gender Differences
When it comes to compensation, men and women often face different hurdles. For men, asbestos exposure from their jobs is usually easier to trace. They have an easier path to file lawsuits or claims with asbestos trust funds.
On the other hand, women may have a harder time proving exposure if it comes from secondary sources, like a spouse’s work clothes or environmental contamination.
However, working with lawyers who understand asbestos-related cases is vital. These legal professionals have become skilled at uncovering exposure histories, even for non-occupational cases.
While men are more frequently diagnosed with mesothelioma, the disease does not discriminate in its impact. Whether through direct workplace exposure or indirect contact at home, both men and women have paid a heavy price for decades of asbestos use.
Fortunately, there is hope. Advances in treatment, better awareness, and a growing body of legal resources mean that those affected by mesothelioma, no matter their gender, can find support and fight back.
At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we are here to provide the legal support you need during this time. Whether you worked in a factory or cared for the household, asbestos exposure has impacted the lives of millions in the United States. You have the right to legal action. Our attorneys are standing by to help you, or your family discover the next steps for your claim.
