New Study Links Asbestos Exposure to Cancer of the Ovary and Restates Risk of Larynx Cancer

In March 2009, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced that as part of their continuing studies into asbestos-related cancers, they had confirmed that evidence was present to link exposure to the dangerous carcinogen to cancer of the ovary.  The IARC also reiterated prior findings linking asbestos and larynx cancer.

The results of the study were released at the annual meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO), and were also published in the May 2009 edition of The Lancet Oncology.

The Lancet study came about after research was conducted by the Research on Cancer Working Group on behalf of WHO. The study confirmed that enough evidence was present to classify exposure to asbestos and the risk of developing cancer of the larynx as limited.

The study evaluated records for women who worked in industries where asbestos was present that ultimately developed ovarian cancer. While data supports that microscopic asbestos fibers remain in ovary tissues, the researchers were divided in whether the risk of developing ovarian cancer from asbestos exposure could be classified as a limited or sufficient risk. At this time, the IARC has chosen to classify that risk as limited.

In addition to the cancers that were the subject of this study, it is known that exposure to asbestos causes serious lung illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.