Cancers that affect the digestive system can be especially difficult to manage because they can interfere with your ability to process your food and absorb the nutrients that you would need to help fight the disorder. One such gastrointestinal cancer is colorectal, which can actually be divided into colon and rectal cancers. Currently, doctors and researchers are trying to comprehend the link between colorectal cancer and asbestos exposure.
The colon is the longest part of the large intestine, whose purpose is to absorb any nutrients that were not taken in by the small intestine. Additionally, the colon absorbs water from your food to help you stay hydrated. Colon cancer often begins in the cells lining the colon which make mucus and other fluids to help lubricate the passage of your food. Thus, when these cells become cancerous, they can form blocks in your intestinal system.
The rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine, right before the anus. This is where your body stores fecal matter before you release it. Additionally, the rectum packs the waste into a more solid form so that you can release your stool.
Although you may think of asbestos exposure as primarily causing lung cancer and mesothelioma, it can also affect these lower parts of your digestive system. The problem with asbestos is that once it is inhaled or ingested via air or water, it can permanently remain in your body. This is because your body is not able to process the carcinogenic fibers. As they pass through your system, they can become lodged in the tissue of the colon and rectum, causing the growth of cancer.
Doctors are now discovering that colorectal cancer is more prevalent in men who were exposed to asbestos, especially through the work place. Additionally, a person who develops the lung disorder called asbestosis has a higher risk of discovering colorectal cancer as well.
The other main problem with asbestos is that it was so widespread before the asbestos ban, which did not begin until the late 1980s. Even now, asbestos may still be present in many older buildings that were built before the phase-out. The reason for this is because asbestos is extremely insulating. As a member of the silicate family of minerals, asbestos is able to resist heat, electricity, flame, chemicals, and biodegradation. Additionally, asbestos itself is flexible and has high tensile strength. This makes it easy to add asbestos to other materials. Thus, it should come as no surprise that asbestos was once present in things like insulation, vinyl flooring, roofing tar and tiles, brake shoes, clutch pads, gaskets, and even fire doors.
People who were exposed to asbestos are at risk for many other cancers as well, not just colorectal cancer. Primary asbestos-related cancers include lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you or someone you know has contracted mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, talk to an asbestos attorney from Williams Kherkher today to learn more about your rights.
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