Mesothelioma web sites continue to pick up the pace of and quality of information disseminated regarding asbestos related diseases. A new example arises from the Surviving Mesothelioma site publishing this August 29, 2015 post about an August 24, 2015 medical article. The abstract is as follows:
“Abstract OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to estimate the incidence of digestive cancers within a cohort of asbestos-exposed workers. METHODS: Our study was based on a cohort of 2024 participants occupationally exposed to asbestos. The incidence of digestive cancers was calculated from 1 January 1978 to 31 December 2009 and compared with levels among the local general population using Standardised Incidence Ratios (SIRs). Asbestos exposure was assessed using the company’s job-exposure matrix. RESULTS: 119 cases of digestive cancer were observed within our cohort, for an expected number of 77 (SIR=1.54 (1.28 to 1.85)). A significantly elevated incidence was observed for peritoneal mesothelioma, particularly in women. Significantly elevated incidences were also observed among men for: all digestive cancers, even when excluding peritoneal mesothelioma (SIR=1.50 (1.23 to 1.82)), oesophageal cancer (SIR=1.67 (1.08 to 2.47)) and liver cancer (SIR=1.85 (1.09 to 2.92)). Concerning colorectal cancer, a significant excess of risk was observed for men with exposure duration above 25 years (SIR=1.75 (1.05 to 2.73)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results are in favour of a link between long-duration asbestos exposure and colorectal cancer in men. They also suggest a relationship between asbestos exposure and cancer of the oesophagus in men. Finally, our results suggest a possible association with small intestine and liver cancers in men.”
M Boulanger, Morlais F, V Bouvier, Galateau-Room F, L Guittet, Marquignon MF, Paris C, C Raffaelli, Launoy G, Clin B., Digestive and occupational cancers asbestos exposure: impact study in a cohort of asbestos plant workers, Occup Environ. Med. 2015 Aug 24. pii: OEMéd-2015-102871. doi: 10.1136 / OEMéd-2015-102871.