Risk Factors - Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer Awareness Month
- Abdominal Cancers Alliance
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Risk factors for peritoneal mesothelioma cancer to be aware of include:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer Risk Factors:
1️⃣ Asbestos Exposure: Working at or living near an asbestos mine or processing plant; Working in high-risk occupational setting, such as automotive industry; Serving on military ships and facilities built with asbestos; Disturbing old asbestos products during home renovation
2️⃣ Gender: occurs more commonly in men
3️⃣ Age: diagnosis occurs around age 65 and older
4️⃣ Smoking: combined with asbestos exposure
5️⃣ Other health or genetic issues: Associated with a rare BAP1 mutation; unknown relationships with exposure to radiation or the Simian Virus 40.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that form the lining of the pleura (lungs), peritoneum (abdominal cavity), pericardium (heart), and testicles (testes).
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma and forms in the lining of the abdominal cavity. Only about 500 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are diagnosed annually in the United States accounting for 15-30% of all mesotheliomas. The average survival for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma is approximately one year; however, this can extend to 3-5 years with aggressive treatment.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous material woven into fabrics for fire-resistant and insulating materials. There are two suggested routes of asbestos exposure into the abdominal cavity: 1) through ingestion and 2) inhaled and transferred through the lymphatic system. Peritoneal mesothelioma is slow-growing and can take up to 10-50 years from exposure for symptoms to develop.
Arm yourself—and your loved ones—with the information that matters.
Even the most proactive patients and advocates can only act on what they know. Help us spread the word about peritoneal mesothelioma cancers!
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