Mesothelioma and Women

Mesothelioma occurs far less often in women than in men. Women get mesothelioma, but they are often exposed to asbestos in different ways. Women also respond differently to treatment and typically have better outcomes than men.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on qualified mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure in Women

Many women developed mesothelioma after secondhand asbestos exposure. This usually occurred via their spouse or other loved ones who worked around asbestos on job sites and brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing.

Most workers were unaware of the dangers they were bringing into the home. For a long time, no one knew the risks of asbestos. Even after scientists connected it to mesothelioma, companies failed to protect workers and their families for years.

Secondhand exposure to asbestos remains one of the top reasons that women develop mesothelioma.

In fact, a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that almost half of all women’s pleural mesothelioma cases stemmed from secondhand exposure through family.

Occupational Exposure

Most men exposed to asbestos came into contact with it on the job. Asbestos mainly affected industrial workplaces, including factories, construction, manufacturing plants, shipyards, garages, and more.

Women who were exposed to asbestos at work, however, often worked clerical jobs in buildings made with asbestos materials or as teachers in schools made with asbestos materials.

Women are also at risk of asbestos exposure if they worked in:

• Bakeries
• Hospitals
• Churches
• Government buildings

Some women were also exposed to asbestos at the same job sites as men. For instance, during World War II, many women worked in shipyards and factories.

Environmental Exposure

Men and women alike are susceptible to environmental exposure to asbestos if they live near naturally-occurring asbestos. According to the Agency for Toxic Substance & Diseases Registry (ATSDR), naturally-occurring asbestos isn’t dangerous unless disturbed.

Naturally-occurring asbestos is found in the East, Southeast, Midwest, and West Coast areas of the United States. The most concentrated areas of naturally-occurring asbestos are California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Survival Rates for Women with Mesothelioma

Studies indicate that women diagnosed with mesothelioma generally have a longer survival rate when compared to men.

For instance, women who undergo surgery have an average survival rate of a little over a year after treatment, whereas men who undergo surgery typically have a survival rate of around 16 months.

The type of mesothelioma, however, will affect survival rates as well. Women with epithelial tumors generally survive longer than women with nonepithelial tumors.

Epithelial tumors have consistent patterns, whereas nonepithelial tumors have inconsistent, random patterns, and although patients may receive the same type of treatment, those with epithelial tumors generally live much longer.

NIH states that most women diagnosed with mesothelioma have the epithelioid subtype.

How Can Women Prove Negligence for Secondhand Exposure?

Secondhand exposure is the primary way that women develop mesothelioma. However, proving negligence can get a bit tricky.

Since most women who developed asbestos via secondhand exposure didn’t work at the job sites, they are ineligible for workers’ compensation. In addition, proving a secondhand exposure case can be more complicated than a man who worked at a job site with asbestos.

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos through a spouse or family member and you were diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, find an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. They know how to find evidence to build a case for secondhand exposure.

More and more women are winning mesothelioma lawsuits for second-hand asbestos exposure, holding the manufacturing companies liable in recent years.

Additional Information and Helpful Resources

Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on knowledgeable asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.