Industrial workers exposed to asbestos have a nearly 2 times higher risk of developing colorectal cancer
The correlation between asbestos exposure and colorectal cancer is still controversial despite multiple systematic reviews of medical literature. However, there is a significant link between occupational asbestos exposure and colorectal cancer risk. A study from the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine found a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer mortality among workers exposed to asbestos on the job. Still, asbestos exposure that occurs in the military can also result in colorectal cancer. U.S. Navy veterans have perhaps the greatest risk of coming to suffer from a life-threatening disease as a consequence of asbestos exposure, including colorectal cancer.
As is the case with all health problems caused by asbestos exposure, people who develop colorectal cancer due to ingesting the toxic fibers of this mineral are typically diagnosed with it within two to five decades. Once the asbestos fibers embed themselves in the lining of the colon, they gradually cause inflammation and tissue scarring, which may eventually give way to malignant tumors. Recent studies revealed that colon cancer is also caused by asbestos exposure, so there is no room for doubt regarding the causal relation. The following are the early symptoms of colorectal cancer:
- a persistent change in your bowel habits
- blood in your stool
- abdominal discomfort, such as cramps or pain
- feeling that your bowel does not empty fully
- weakness or fatigue
- unexplained weight loss
Damage controlmen, metalsmiths, fire control technicians, pipefitters, machinist's mates, Seabees, and electrician's mates are some of the U.S. Navy occupations with the highest risk of asbestos exposure. If you were exposed to asbestos on the job or in the military and experience symptoms that may indicate colorectal cancer or already have a diagnosis, please get in touch with our skilled attorneys. They will do all in their power to help you obtain compensation from asbestos trust funds and also from the VA if you are a veteran.
Because the misdiagnosis rate is very high among asbestos exposure victims, we recommend you seek a second and even a third opinion.
Secondary asbestos exposure also implies a colorectal cancer risk
Because of the unethical conduct of asbestos companies that occurred during the last century, employees who handled the mineral would not be required to change their clothes at the end of the day. As a result, they would carry asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin, and hair, inevitably exposing their family members when they arrived home.
While the wives of asbestos workers would mostly be exposed when shaking out the clothes before washing them, their children would inhale and ingest fibers when hugging their fathers.
If you lived in the same house as a person who worked with asbestos and now struggle with colorectal cancer, you might be entitled to financial compensation. To determine whether you qualify for filing a claim with asbestos trust funds, you will have to send our attorneys the employment records of your family member, proof that you lived together, and your medical records stating your colorectal cancer diagnosis. Eligible individuals will have their claims filed with the asbestos trust funds of the companies responsible for exposing the worker to the mineral.
Filing a wrongful death claim for a family member who had not sought compensation
Sadly, not few are the asbestos exposure victims who pass away without having benefitted from the financial compensation they would have deserved for their unjust suffering.
Nevertheless, while money will not bring your loved one back, you can step in as a family member and try to recover part of the compensation your family member might have been entitled to. Our specialized attorneys can help you file a wrongful death claim with asbestos trust funds if they determine you are eligible.
To check out your eligibility, all you have to do is send our legal team the employment or military records of your deceased family member, their medical records with their colon, rectal, or colorectal cancer diagnosis, and their death certificate. If we establish that you qualify for filing a wrongful death claim, we will strive to obtain the maximum compensation available for you, which may be useful for covering the cost of their past medical bills.
