Weitz & Luxenberg explains the possible link between asbestos and breast cancer

What is the correlation between asbestos exposure and breast cancer diagnosis?

It has been suggested that there is a link between asbestos exposure and breast cancer, however, on the list of risk factors for this type of cancer, asbestos falls somewhere towards the bottom. The most common risk factors for breast cancer are: “age, personal and family history of cancer, reproductive and menstrual history, ethnicity, breast density, lack of physical activity, smoking and consumption of alcohol” (Sculpted Silhouette) among others.

Weitz & Luxenberg has been offering legal assistance for clients with asbestos related diseases for twenty years. Please bear in mind that we are not a medical institution, but we are more than willing to assist you in legal matters.

What is breast cancer and how is it caused?

Breast Cancer results from uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast. The term breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. It usually begins “in the lobules (the glands which produce milk) or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple.” (Breast Cancer) Breast cancer also take root in the “stromal tissues, which are the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast,” (Breast Cancer) though this is less common.

Breast Cancer statistics:

• Breast cancer “is always caused by a genetic abnormality- a mistake in the genetic material.” (Breast Cancer) There can be many causes for this abnormality, some which are out of the realm of a woman’s control.
• “5 % to 10% of breast cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from a parent.” (Breast Cancer)
• “90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and the wear and tear of life in general.” (Breast Cancer)
• Men can suffer from breast cancer, though they are in the minority.

Explaining the possible link between asbestos and breast cancer

“Just think about the many things that might cause the wear and tear that leads to abnormal cell growth—pollutants, hormones, pesticides, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, stress…. Or maybe your cells just made a mistake one day when they were making new genes to pass on to their baby cells. Perhaps there was a misprint in the genetic instruction manual that said switch growth on instead of growth off.  This is a test. ”

1. Dr. Marisa Weiss, breast radiation oncologist

Exposure to asbestos and other toxins is difficult to minimize, especially if you are in industrial environments frequently.  A group of researchers in London, England investigated a possible relationship between asbestos exposure and breast cancer.  Here is what they found:

 “A group of 216 men and 178 women were selected to help researchers determine whether or not there was a link between asbestos exposure and breast cancer.  Of the 216 men, 42% were shown to have asbestos bodies in the lungs and of the 178 women, 30% showed asbestos bodies in their lungs.  [Researchers] were most puzzled by the elevated incidence of breast cancer among women who tested positive for the presence of asbestos. [Asbestos fibers wreak havoc on various body tissues] so there was some obscure possibility that asbestos fibers could be carried by means of retrograde lymphatic flow from the lungs to the chest wall.” (Breast Cancer)

“[The Researchers] noted that pleural plaques were typically restricted to parietal pleura overlying the ribs and that these plaques were histologically made up of collagen. They believed that it might be possible for the thin, sharp asbestos fibers to pierce the lungs and penetrate the parietal pleura and pass through the intercostal muscles. Thus, it could be possible for asbestos fibers to penetrate mammary tissue via the muscles that cover the chest wall.” (Breast Cancer)

Let Weitz & Luxenberg provide you with legal counsel and help you secure compensation

Weitz & Luxenberg understands how widespread the asbestos problem is. With over two decades of experience, our attorneys are qualified to help you navigate the legal system. The dangers of asbestos are hardly a secret- they have been known about in the United States for decades. Unfortunately, its use in numerous industries resulted in disastrous consequences for countless individuals. Far too many people are suffering from serious asbestos related diseases as a result of being exposed to asbestos earlier on.

To get started, please fill out the form on this page and a representative from our firm will get in touch with you shortly. The consultation is free and there is no cost unless we secure a verdict or settlement for you.