Asbestos and cancer – what is the link between the two?

Last Updated on 6th April 2021 by Admin

Researchers learning more about the link between asbestos and cancer

We all know that asbestos causes cancer, but what is the link between asbestos and cancer?

Research is still being conducted to understand how asbestos causes diseases such as mesothelioma and other cancers such as asbestosis.

A couple of recent studies have shed light on the link between asbestos and cancer.

These new studies will help us to understand why asbestos exposure is to be avoided.

The research should also pave the way for better advancements in treatment.

What do these new studies reveal about asbestos?

One recent study shows how inhaling asbestos fibers leads to the future development of mesothelioma.

According to the researchers, the asbestos fibers become lodged in the mesothelium causing inflammation in the lining of the lungs.

As the human body cannot dislodge the fibers, the end result is tissue inflammation.

This in turn disrupts the body’s whole immune system, meaning the body is unable to fight off tumor growth.

Research is still in its infancy, but will hopefully give us a better understanding of how we can further develop medicines and treatments for mesothelioma.

asbestos and cancer - scientists are finding out more about why exposure to asbestos causes cancer

More research to be done on links to cancer

Understanding the full extent of asbestos and how it is related to various types of cancer  is complicated.

There’s still lots of research to be done in understanding the link between asbestos and cancer.

Although, lots of research is being conducted and real progress is being made in understanding and treating mesothelioma.

Another recent study for example looked at how malignant mesothelioma can spread in the body.

Researchers tracked ‘exosomes’ which can be excreted by cells, and discovered how they may cause gene-altering effects in cells in other parts of the body.

Two cell groups were used in the study for comparison, with one of them being exposed to asbestos.

Of the two cells tested, those that were exposed to asbestos changed.

The contaminated cells’ exosomes were then exposed to human cells.

These human cells were altered as a result.

So what can we learn from this research?

It could lead to a “biomarker” for mesothelioma and asbestos-related illness risk.

Imagine if doctors could potentially identify risk of mesothelioma from a simple blood test, as in this study.

It could potentially mean earlier diagnosis, meaning patients would have a better chance of survival as treatment could be started earlier.

 

So make sure you contact our Armco office to arrange an asbestos survey, before it’s too late! 

Whether you need an asbestos management survey, or a refurbishment/ demolition survey, contact us on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/

Finally, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/to book an asbestos awareness training course.

Latest News...
20th January 2025Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material for its heat resistance and durability, has become synonymous with danger and devastating health consequences. While many believe asbestos is a relic of the past, it continues to pose risks, particularly through its presence in older consumer products and materials. Despite stringent regulations, the hidden threat of asbestos […] [...] Read more...
19th November 2024Last Updated on 12th December 2024 by max2021 Asbestos, a word that makes us all cautious, is a group of natural minerals that have been used for their amazing properties. Heat-resistant, strong and insulating, asbestos fibres were once the backbone of industrial and construction. But beneath these benefits lies a deadly legacy, the composition of […] [...] Read more...
21st October 2024Last Updated on 12th December 2024 by max2021 Before the 1980s, asbestos was used in the construction of buildings, especially historic buildings, where it was used for insulation and fireproofing. Many of these buildings still exist, and their age poses special challenges when it comes to managing asbestos safely. Property owners need to understand the […] [...] Read more...
21st August 2024Asbestos inspections are a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and compliant workplace, particularly in older buildings where asbestos-containing materials may still be present. Understanding the importance of these inspections not only helps protect the health and safety of your employees but also ensures that your business remains in compliance with UK regulations. Failure to […] [...] Read more...
8th July 2024Asbestos, once hailed for its fire-resistant properties, has become notorious for its severe health hazards, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Consequently, countries worldwide have enacted stringent regulations to manage and mitigate these risks. This blog delves into the evolution and current state of asbestos regulations globally, highlighting the differences and similarities across various regions. This […] [...] Read more...
9th April 2024Last Updated on 8th July 2024 by max2021 Asbestos, once hailed for its fire resistance and versatility, has left a hazardous legacy in numerous buildings and constructions. Recognising its dangers, particularly the severe health risks it poses, asbestos awareness training has become not just a precaution but a legal necessity. The significance of such training […] [...] Read more...
Latest News...
20th January 2025Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material for its heat resistance and durability, has become synonymous with danger and devastating health consequences. While many believe asbestos is a relic of the past, it continues to pose risks, particularly through its presence in older consumer products and materials. Despite stringent regulations, the hidden threat of asbestos […] [...] Read more...
19th November 2024Last Updated on 12th December 2024 by max2021 Asbestos, a word that makes us all cautious, is a group of natural minerals that have been used for their amazing properties. Heat-resistant, strong and insulating, asbestos fibres were once the backbone of industrial and construction. But beneath these benefits lies a deadly legacy, the composition of […] [...] Read more...
21st October 2024Last Updated on 12th December 2024 by max2021 Before the 1980s, asbestos was used in the construction of buildings, especially historic buildings, where it was used for insulation and fireproofing. Many of these buildings still exist, and their age poses special challenges when it comes to managing asbestos safely. Property owners need to understand the […] [...] Read more...
21st August 2024Asbestos inspections are a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and compliant workplace, particularly in older buildings where asbestos-containing materials may still be present. Understanding the importance of these inspections not only helps protect the health and safety of your employees but also ensures that your business remains in compliance with UK regulations. Failure to […] [...] Read more...
8th July 2024Asbestos, once hailed for its fire-resistant properties, has become notorious for its severe health hazards, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Consequently, countries worldwide have enacted stringent regulations to manage and mitigate these risks. This blog delves into the evolution and current state of asbestos regulations globally, highlighting the differences and similarities across various regions. This […] [...] Read more...
9th April 2024Last Updated on 8th July 2024 by max2021 Asbestos, once hailed for its fire resistance and versatility, has left a hazardous legacy in numerous buildings and constructions. Recognising its dangers, particularly the severe health risks it poses, asbestos awareness training has become not just a precaution but a legal necessity. The significance of such training […] [...] Read more...

Published Apr 11, 2018