The Lyon Firm investigates asbestos exposure claims for former workers in a variety of industries diagnosed with colorectal cancer and other asbestos-related cancers.
Studies have shown there is a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer cases among workers occupationally exposed to asbestos. Since asbestos was so widely used up until the 1980s, there is a good chance former employees in certain industries were exposed to the toxic substance. Research implies that the risk of colorectal cancer cases increases as the level of asbestos exposure rises.
Since 1964, researchers have been studying whether asbestos exposure is linked to colon cancer. More recent research suggests that individuals exposed to large amounts of asbestos (chronic exposure or acute exposure) in any field of employment may be at a higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer. Any amount of asbestos exposure is proven hazardous. If you have been occupationally exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with colon cancer, you can speak to an attorney about potential compensation.
In a 1994 study published in American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers found asbestos workers exposed to asbestos were 1.4 times more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
After you focus on your health first, consider your legal options after a colon cancer diagnosis. Medical costs and pain and suffering damages may be covered by an asbestos exposure settlement. Many companies have created asbestos trust funds for victims of toxic exposure. Call The Lyon Firm for a free consultation.
Asbestos Exposure Sites
- Shipyards (Naval & commercial)
- Factories
- Refineries
- Warehouses
- Steel mills
- Manufacturing facilities
- Tire Plants
- Auto plants
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
In the early stages, colorectal cancer symptoms may be non-specific. Over time, however, when the disease progresses, individuals have been known to experience abdominal tenderness, rectal bleeding, abdominal masses or obstructions, liver enlargement, abdominal discomfort, and fluids building up in the abdomen. Polyps and growths forming in the colon are also a potential sign of cancer development.
Causes of Colon Cancer
Like many cancers, the causes of many colon cancer cases are still largely unknown. Researchers do feel confident, however, that there are obvious risks and catalysts, that include exposure to a variety of toxins like asbestos. Colon cancer development may also be linked to the following:
- Age
- Race
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Genetic Factors
- Poor nutrition and diet
- Diabetes
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Treatments for colon cancer often include the following:
- Surgery: removing cancerous polyps, colectomy, ostomy, or lymph node removal
- Chemotherapy: may shrink cancer cells before surgery
- Radiation therapy: often combined with chemotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy: attacks cancer cells
- Immunotherapy: often used in conjunction with the above treatments
Jobs Associated with Asbestos Exposure
There are professions that are more associated with asbestos exposure than others, generally because of the materials used in a job or where the position was located. Occupations most likely to present an occupational exposure include:
- Plumbers & Pipefitters
- Auto Mechanics
- Electricians
- Maintenance Crews
- Welders
- Machine operators
