Are Women Under 50 The New Face Of Mesothelioma Deadly Disease?

Are Women Under 50 The New Face of Mesothelioma Deadly Disease?

Traditionally known as an "old man's disease," mesothelioma has primarily affected individuals in high-risk professions such as construction, mining, and firefighting. 

These workers often face the rare and aggressive cancer years after exposure to asbestos. However, a new demographic is now at risk: women under 50 with no known asbestos exposure.

Consider the case of Sheila Colla, a 41-year-old woman, associate professor, and mother of two. Last fall, Colla was diagnosed with biphasic pleural mesothelioma, which impacts the lung lining.

"I grew up in Toronto, living in North York and Scarborough. We rented most of our lives, so I never experienced home renovations. I just attended old schools and community centers," Colla recounts. "Somewhere in the city, I was exposed to asbestos, and I have no idea how."

Women Diagnosed with Mesothelioma at Younger Ages Than Men. Minchuk represents an uncommonly young demographic of mesothelioma patients diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer before age 40. 

This demographic — especially among women — is growing. With increasing awareness and research, more cases are being identified earlier, highlighting the urgent need for targeted treatments and preventative measures. 

Asbestos exposure in non-occupational settings, such as through contaminated talc in personal care products, underscores the importance of stricter regulations and public education to address this emerging health crisis.

Are Women Under 50 The New Face of Mesothelioma Deadly Disease?

Understanding Asbestos and Its Risks

Asbestos, a once-common building material prized for its durability and fire resistance, poses severe health risks when inhaled. Exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma typically manifests 15-40 years post-exposure, making it difficult to trace the exact source and timing.

Asbestos remains prevalent in older car parts, roads, and buildings constructed before 1990. Alarmingly, deteriorating asbestos cement pipes have even contaminated Canadian drinking water, potentially causing peritoneal mesothelioma when ingested. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers asbestos a probable human carcinogen when ingested.

Talc, found in baby powder and cosmetics, is another overlooked source of asbestos exposure. Naturally occurring near asbestos, talc can become contaminated, explaining many mesothelioma cases previously deemed idiopathic, particularly among women.

Marketing and Misconceptions

Regular use of baby powder is common among racialized women, a trend not coincidental. Initially marketed for diaper changes, baby powder's promotion shifted in the 1950s to target young women as a way to "smell clean and fresh," exploiting misogynistic and racist stereotypes about cleanliness.

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled some Johnson & Johnson baby powder products after detecting asbestos. Despite knowing the risks, the company continued selling talc-based products, prompting Colla and others to consider legal action.

Avoiding Asbestos Exposure

Avoiding asbestos exposure is nearly impossible on an individual level; it is a government responsibility. Although Health Canada banned asbestos in 2018, existing structures and products remain problematic. The ban also includes exemptions and does not address occupational exposure limits, which are ten times higher than the European Union's.

Health Canada advises professional asbestos removal for renovations but overlooks everyday exposures near construction sites. Additionally, the agency has not investigated asbestos in drinking water or established guidelines, despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations for preventive action.

Moreover, Health Canada does not pre-approve consumer products and cosmetics like baby powder, allowing potential asbestos contamination to persist on Canadian shelves.

Environmental Justice and Racism

Asbestos exposure disproportionately affects low-income and racialized communities, who often live in older homes with deteriorating materials and near environmental hazards. This issue of environmental racism is recognized under Bill C-226, which aims to address these disparities through data collection on environmental risks, race, and socioeconomic status.

Identifying communities at greater risk, such as those near former asbestos mines, is crucial for addressing health inequities.

A Call for Action

Health Canada must take immediate action to eliminate asbestos from buildings, drinking water, roads, and personal care products. Expanding mesothelioma research to include younger individuals and women is also essential.

Colla, undergoing immunotherapy at Princess Margaret Hospital, remains uncertain about her future. "Mesothelioma has a grim prognosis. Statistics suggest I may not be here in a year, but they are based on older males," she says. "I was a newly tenured professor at my career's peak. I have two young children worried about me. I can’t plan more than three weeks ahead. Each day is uncertain."

Are Women Under 50 The New Face of Mesothelioma Deadly Disease? Conclusion

The evolving face of mesothelioma highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to asbestos regulation and public health. While significant steps have been taken, gaps remain in policies that protect against asbestos exposure in existing structures and products. 

The government must enforce stricter regulations, ensure rigorous testing of consumer products, and address occupational and environmental exposure limits.

Advancements in mesothelioma treatment and increased research funding are crucial for improving prognosis and survival rates. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can help individuals recognize asbestos risks and take preventive measures.

Addressing the environmental justice aspect of asbestos exposure is imperative. By identifying and supporting communities disproportionately affected by asbestos, we can work towards eliminating this public health hazard. Legal actions against negligent companies and government accountability will also play a pivotal role in this fight.

Sheila Colla's story serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action. As mesothelioma affects a broader demographic, a united effort from government, healthcare providers, researchers, and the public is essential to protect future generations from this devastating disease