Asbestos Ovarian Cancer

How Does Asbestos Cause Ovarian Cancer?

When products made with asbestos become worn down or damaged, microscopic fibers are released into the air. Those nearby can then inhale or swallow these fibers without realizing it.

In cases of ovarian cancer, asbestos fibers enter the body through the reproductive tract. This may happen when women use asbestos-contaminated hygiene products like talcum powder. Since talc and asbestos are often found alongside one another in nature, talc-based products may contain stray asbestos fibers.

Once inside the body, asbestos fibers can get stuck in healthy tissue and eventually cause cancer after years of inflammation and scarring.

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Video Summary: In this video, VA-accredited attorney Eric Hall explains why U.S. veterans are at risk of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. He also breaks down how affected veterans can access military benefits and medical treatment. Call (877) 450-8973 to get started. View Transcript

Veterans who served in the military between the 1930s and the 1980s were likely exposed to asbestos while they were on active duty. Usually, if you've developed an asbestos-related disease, you developed that disease because you had an excessive amount of exposure to asbestos.

If a veteran believes they were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military, we encourage them to call the Mesothelioma Veterans Center so that we can work together to help them file for VA benefits.

The VA will recognize any asbestos-related disease as long as your asbestos exposure happened while you were on active duty in the military.

In addition to VA benefits, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center can connect veterans with world-renowned physicians and nurses on staff that can answer any of your treatment questions. We encourage veterans to call and find out how we can help them.

Asbestos exposure was not recognized as a public health crisis until millions of people were already put in danger.

Fortunately, women diagnosed asbestos-related diseases like ovarian cancer or mesothelioma can pursue financial compensation and health care benefits today. Learn about the benefits available with our Free Veterans Packet.

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Diagnosing Asbestos Ovarian Cancer

Doctors typically need to perform several gynecologic tests to confirm whether someone has ovarian cancer. They often start with a pelvic exam to see if there are any abnormalities in the reproductive tract.

From there, doctors can use imaging tests to look for tumors inside the body.

Imaging scans commonly used to diagnose ovarian cancer include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Ultrasounds

If doctors see a possibly cancerous tumor on these imaging scans, they’ll order a biopsy, which is a fluid or tissue sample.

Biopsies allow doctors to examine the sample under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present. This is the only way to confirm an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

In some cases, doctors may also be able to use tests to see if the cancer is asbestos-related. For example, one woman who sued Johnson & Johnson found her cancer was caused by asbestos after doctors tested her lymph nodes.

Other tests involve looking at samples of ovarian tissue under a microscope to see if asbestos fibers are present.

Asbestos Ovarian Cancer Prognosis

A prognosis is the projected health outlook for a patient after their diagnosis. It's typically measured in months and years. According to data from the National Cancer Institute, roughly 49% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will still be alive 5 years later.

That said, a prognosis can vary depending on the individual factors in each patient's case. Further, a prognosis can change over time depending on how a patient responds to treatments.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

There are four stages of ovarian cancer, which are classified by how far the cancer has spread. Higher stages mean the cancer has spread more and the patient has a poorer prognosis.

Stage 1

Stage 1 ovarian cancer is confined to one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes. Because it is still relatively contained, it is highly treatable. About 95% of women diagnosed in this stage will still be alive 5 years later with proper treatment.

Stage 2

In stage 2, the cancer has spread to nearby organs like the bladder, colon, or uterus. Fortunately, stage 2 ovarian cancer is still highly treatable. Around 70% of patients will be alive 5 years after diagnosis.

Stage 3

In the third stage, the cancer has spread even further, possibly reaching the lymph nodes or the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum). Patients with stage 3 ovarian cancer have a lower chance of long-term survival. About 25% of patients survive for 5 years after diagnosis.

Stage 4

Stage 4 ovarian cancer is the most advanced stage and has the poorest prognosis. By this point, the cancer has reached other major organs like the lungs. Only 15% of women are still alive 5 years after being diagnosed at this stage.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that most women will not be diagnosed in the early stages of this cancer, since symptoms often don’t appear until it has spread. While survival rates are low in the later stages, all stages of ovarian cancer can be treated.

Legal Help for Asbestos Ovarian Cancer

Life after an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be stressful, especially if the cancer stems from asbestos exposure. Thankfully, you can navigate life after a diagnosis with legal help.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with asbestos-related ovarian cancer, a law firm may be able to help you access financial compensation. Major asbestos companies sold their goods to the military and general public without disclosing the risks, meaning they may be legally liable if you got sick from exposure.

Compensation from a lawsuit can cover:

• Basic living expenses
• Lost wages
• Medical treatments
• And more

Don’t wait — connect with our team today to see if you may qualify for compensation.