Globally, an estimated 125 million people work in environments where they may be exposed to asbestos. This exposure results in the loss of at least 90,000 lives annually due to asbestos-related diseases, including ovary cancer and mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one has received an ovarian cancer diagnosis and suspect asbestos exposure may be a contributing factor, speak with the Shrader & Associates team. You may be eligible to file a claim and seek financial compensation from the responsible companies.
But how does asbestos exposure cause ovarian cancer? How can you file a mesothelioma lawsuit? Find the answers to these critical questions and more below.
Does Asbestos Cause Ovarian Cancer?
There is growing scientific evidence that occupational exposure to asbestos can increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.
A meta-analysis analyzing data from 18 studies found a significant relationship between ovarian cancer and asbestos exposure in women. Furthermore, a study from the National Library of Medicine found that women with asbestos exposure in the workplace had a 50% higher risk of dying from ovarian cancer compared to those without such exposure.
Key Facts and Statistics About Ovarian Cancer
- Asbestos is one of the most widespread occupational carcinogens worldwide. It’s been linked to numerous asbestos-related diseases in the colon, lung, kidney, larynx, esophagus, and ovaries.
- Occupational asbestos exposure nearly doubles the risk of death from ovarian cancer in women.
- White women have a higher chance of developing asbestos ovarian cancer than other racial and ethnic groups.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Ovarian Cancer?
The exact details of how asbestos exposure increases ovarian cancer risk are still being investigated. However, theories suggest that inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers in the workplace may cause chronic inflammation in the lining of the ovaries, potentially damaging cells and increasing the risk of abnormal cell growth. This damage to ovarian cell DNA can lead to mutations that cause cancer.
Occupational and Secondary Exposure
Studies show that occupations in the following fields report the highest incidents of asbestos-related ovarian cancer:
- Mining
- Power plants
- Oil refineries
- Railroad
- Warehousing
- Textile manufacturing
- Gas mask manufacturing
- U.S. Navy and other Armed Forces services
Secondary exposure can occur when family members breathe in asbestos fibers unknowingly brought home on the belongings of a worker who has been exposed to asbestos.
Product Exposure
Products contaminated with asbestos have also been linked to ovarian cancer and other types of asbestos-related illnesses. A few of these products include:
- Cosmetic talc powders
- Dangerous drugs, including over-the-counter medications
- Birth control, including the Depo-Provera injection
- Heating devices (hairdryers, ovens, ironing boards)
- Insulation materials
- Gaskets and packing
- Furnaces
- Adhesives
- Automotive parts
- Chalkboards
- Ceiling tiles
About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer found in the ovaries—the organ responsible for producing eggs and hormones in the female reproductive system. Here, we’ll look at its symptoms, stages, and treatment options:
Symptoms
Early signs of ovarian cancer often have no noticeable symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Changes in eating habits
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Bowel changes (constipation or diarrhea)
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
Stages
| Stage I | Stage II | Stage III | Stage IV |
| IA: Cancer in one ovary or fallopian tube | IIA: Cancer in the ovary/s and uterus | IIIA: Cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to the abdomen or lymph nodes | IVA: Cancer found near the lungs and/or inside the liver or spleen |
| IB: Cancer in both ovaries or fallopian tubes | IIB: Cancer has spread to other nearby structures in the pelvis | IIIB: The tumor is around an inch in size and spread beyond the pelvis to the abdomen or lymph nodes | IVB: Cancer has spread to the groin lymph nodes and/or in the chest |
| IC: Cancer in both ovaries or fallopian tubes, as well as in the peritoneal cavity | IIIC: Cancer has spread outside the pelvic area with a tumor over an inch |
Treatment
There are several ways ovarian cancer can be treated, such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy.
Filing a Lawsuit for Ovarian Cancer Linked to Asbestos Exposure
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and suspect asbestos exposure occurred at your place of work, you might be eligible to seek compensation.
Choosing the right mesothelioma firm—like Shrader & Associates, L.L.P.—ensures your lawsuit is handled professionally and compassionately. Our asbestos attorneys have helped thousands of clients receive the compensation they need and deserve.
Who Is Eligible to File a Lawsuit?
Anyone who can prove ovarian cancer as a direct result of asbestos exposure has the right to file a mesothelioma claim.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
The statute of limitations for filing mesothelioma claims varies across each U.S. state. Speak with a mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible to avoid any delays.
How Can Shrader & Associates Help?
Shrader & Associates’ mesothelioma lawyers will help you determine the most appropriate course of action for your case. A few potential avenues for seeking compensation include personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits, pursuing claims against asbestos trust funds, participating in class action lawsuits, engaging in asbestos litigation, or exploring Veteran Affairs (VA) disability claims.
How to Prove Your Claim
To file a mesothelioma claim, you typically need to prove:
- Medical records confirming an ovarian cancer diagnosis
- Occupational or secondary asbestos exposure history
- Financial records related to the illness
- A link between asbestos exposure and your cancer diagnosis—established by a medical professional
- Any documentation of mesothelioma treatments or clinical trials.
Who Files the Claim and What Is the Process?
Mesothelioma claims are best filed by a law firm specializing in asbestos lawsuits. The process includes:
- Scheduling an initial consultation with a mesothelioma attorney.
- Collecting any documentation and evidence to support your claim.
- Filing the mesothelioma claim.
- Your asbestos attorney negotiates with the company in question, advocating for the compensation you deserve.
- Your case will be prepared for trial should a fair settlement not be reached during negotiation.
What Type of Compensation Can You Claim for Asbestos-related Ovarian Cancer?
Experienced mesothelioma lawyers help asbestos victims seek compensation for lost wages, funeral costs, medical expenses (including therapy and counseling), and costs associated with pain, suffering, and emotional distress, among others.
You might also qualify for compensation through private health insurance, Social Security disability benefits, Medicare and Medicaid.
Notable Ovarian Cancer Lawsuit Settlements
In 2024, Johnson & Johnson paid $260 million to Kyung Lee and $45 million to the family of Theresa Garcia (who died of mesothelioma) for ovarian cancer/mesothelioma diagnoses caused by its talcum products.
Shrader & Associates Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one are facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis after asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation.
Shrader & Associates are nationally recognized trial lawyers specializing in mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases. If you have ovarian cancer caused by asbestos exposure, our lawyers can explain how settlements work and help you choose the right firm.
Contact our expert asbestos law team at Shrader & Associates for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. You don’t need to face an ovarian cancer diagnosis or a complex legal system alone. We are here to help you every step of the way!