Given the necessary information, you would probably do everything possible to avoid things that could cause cancer. However, did you know that could include packing up your family and moving to another state?
If you or one of your loved ones face a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be familiar with the risks of asbestos exposure. Some circumstances may allow you to limit or cease your exposure to the carcinogen. Yet, you may be unaware of other risks.
Mesothelioma is not the only form of cancer potentially linked to asbestos exposure
Exposure to asbestos can increase your risk of mesothelioma. However, it can also lead to lung, laryngeal and ovarian cancer.
Just as asbestos fibers can accumulate in your lungs, they can also pose a long-term risk for ovarian tissue. You can be exposed to asbestos through situations which include:
- Living in a community contaminated by asbestos
- Working in a field where you become exposed to asbestos
- Sharing a home with someone whose job exposes them to asbestos
Nationwide, ovarian cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women. And research suggests there may be some geographic commonalities between those fighting a battle with ovarian cancer and those diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Cancer rates seem to vary by state
If you compare maps which indicate mesothelioma and ovarian cancer occurrences, you will find that some of the states which have the highest incidences of both diseases include:
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Alternatively, there appears to be congruency among states with the lowest diagnoses. These states include:
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
Many factors may apply to these statistics – it is possible that you could live a perfectly normal, healthy life in one of the states with higher rates of mesothelioma.
Since your risk of ovarian cancer is 10% higher in states with higher rates of mesothelioma, you might draw a connection back to asbestos exposure. And if cancerous cells result, you may want to explore your options.