Most cancers associated with women are typically ovarian and breast types. Unless a woman smokes cigarettes, lung cancer isn’t a prevalent ailment. However, women can be diagnosed with mesothelioma. This cancer involves the lung lining where tumors grow with incredible speed. Learn more about mesothelioma and how it may be linked to talcum-powder use.
Rare Cancer
Mesothelioma is normally a cancer that involves men. In the past few decades, men have been in the majority when it comes to working full-time jobs. As women have dived headfirst into the working world, their risk of developing mesothelioma has steadily risen.
This cancer attacks the pleura or air sacs that encompass each lung. Because the cancer is so rare, many women don’t realize that there’s an issue until the ailment is truly advanced in nature.
Typical Causes
The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Best asbestos specialists can be found on Greenfield Removals and Malrod. This fibrous substance is found in the Earth, and it’s mined for its heat-resistant features. It was extensively used in the military and within commercial buildings. Covering any structural element with asbestos was a benefit to its integrity, but broken fibers from the asbestos lodged into the lungs of anyone working nearby.
Mesothelioma can also be genetically linked. It might be contracted by indirect contact, such as parents bringing home asbestos on their clothes. There’s another vector called talc that’s worth mentioning.
Mesothelioma and Link to Talcum Powder
Women use talc powder to fight off moisture accumulation on the body. This talc, however, may be mined closely to asbestos deposits in the ground, states IFL Science.
Women sprinkle the powder onto their bodies on a daily basis. They end up breathing it in. Mesothelioma can develop with both the talc and asbestos playing a role in cell mutation.
Being Conscientious About Exposure
Talcum powder has been a beauty staple for generations. It’s time to change with the times, however. Be aware of the ingredients in any product that’s applied on private areas. Although a company may claim that their talc is safe, consider an alternative.
Samaritan Health Services points out that there are powders for moisture control that don’t have talc. Try these products as a permanent change. Reducing any exposure to talc can significantly impact a woman’s chances of developing cancer.
Common Symptoms
As mesothelioma progresses, the symptoms change from vague to serious. Common signs include:
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Pain in the chest
A fatigued sensation might set in too. The body redirects its efforts to fighting the growing tumors. Being tired and depressed are both common symptoms that should be looked at by a medical professional.
Treatment Choices
Certain organizations continue to report inconclusive results when it comes to cancer being caused by talc powder, reports the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. However, the facts do win out as more women see a cancer diagnosis after using this product for many years.
Treatment choices include the following:
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
Experiments with immunotherapy are ongoing. Women patients may want to participate in clinical trials so that their recovery chances are greatly improved.
As more people become aware of mesothelioma, talcum powder lawsuits are growing in number. Research mesothelioma and talc before working with a lawyer. Understanding the risks will give women a chance to make an informed decision before trying any lawsuit in a court of law.