Recent evidence from studies shows that asbestos exposure may contribute to or cause prostate cancer. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and have a history of asbestos exposure, talk to a lawyer to discuss your options.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the abnormal, malignant growth of cells in the prostate gland. The prostate is only found in men and is situated under the bladder. Most cases of prostate cancer are adenocarcinomas, meaning they arise from the gland cells. There are a few other rare types of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. These are some important facts about prostate cancer in the U.S.:[1]
- The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 299,010 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024.
- There are expected to be over 35,000 deaths in 2024 from prostate cancer.
- Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their lives.
- Prostate cancer is more commonly diagnosed in older men. It is very rare in men under 40.
- African American men have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- The death rate from prostate cancer dropped by half from 1993 to 2013, but it has stabilized recently.
Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Prostate Cancer?
Genetic mutations cause cancer, but what causes these mutations is not always understood. Some people have inherited mutations that predispose them to prostate cancer. Mutations are also acquired throughout a lifetime. Certain hormones may cause mutations that lead to prostate cancer, for example.
Another factor that can cause mutations and lead to cancer is exposure to toxic substances. Exposure to asbestos fibers is well known to contribute to certain cancers, especially mesothelioma. There is growing evidence that asbestos may also lead to prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer in Asbestos Cement Workers
A couple of early studies from Europe pointed out elevated rates of several cancers in men who worked with or around asbestos. A Danish study found a slightly higher risk for prostate cancer in workers in the asbestos cement industry.[2] A Finnish study of various asbestos workers found similar results.[3]
Inhaled Asbestos Fibers and Prostate Cancer
More recently, a paper that surveyed 33 other studies also concluded that asbestos exposure elevates prostate cancer risk. The researchers looked at information on more than 700,000 workers. They found that inhalation of asbestos fibers led to an increased risk of prostate cancer.[4]
Men with Prostate Cancer More Likely to Have Been Exposed to Asbestos
A study published in 2019 compared men diagnosed with prostate cancer to a random group of men. The men with prostate cancer were more likely to have been exposed to asbestos in the past. The researchers also found that prolonged exposure to asbestos increased the risk of prostate cancer even more.[5]
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
All adult men should be aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. If you worked with asbestos in the past or in an industry that used asbestos, it’s especially important to be aware of these symptoms:[6]
- Difficulty urinating, including a weak stream or difficulty starting and stopping
- Sudden urges to urinate
- Urinating frequently, especially at night
- Pain when urinating
- Blood or semen in urine
- Persistent lower back or pelvic pain
Prostate cancer does not always cause symptoms in the early stages. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for screening and discuss any troubling symptoms with them immediately.
How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?
Treatment for prostate cancer varies depending on the patient. Some men do not need treatment. Doctors often recommend a wait-and-see approach for low-grade prostate cancer and no symptoms. This includes regular surveillance to see if the cancer grows, spreads, or causes symptoms.
Other men may need treatment. Treatment options include surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Doctors may combine some of these treatments for the best outcome.
What Is the Prognosis for Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early. The five-year survival rate for both local and regional prostate cancer is nearly 100%.[7] This is why early screenings and diagnosis are so important, especially if you have a history of asbestos exposure or other risk factors.
Is There Asbestos Compensation for Prostate Cancer?
Getting compensation for prostate cancer related to asbestos exposure can be tricky. The evidence of the connection between the two is currently building but is not as strong as for other illnesses, like mesothelioma.
If you were diagnosed with prostate cancer and know or suspect you were exposed to asbestos in the past, contact an asbestos attorney. They can review your case and determine if you are likely to receive compensation.
Although it may be more difficult to prove a connection between prostate cancer and workplace asbestos exposure, it is not impossible. Experienced asbestos lawyers have networks of experts, including medical experts, who can find evidence of past asbestos exposure and related illnesses.
Asbestos law firms offer free initial consultations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your case and learn more about what you should do next.
