The conclusions are unequivocal. In fact, some cancers of the larynx and ovaries are related to exposure to asbestos, French health authorities confirmed on Monday, which ruled to facilitate its compensation as an occupational disease.
These two types of cancer are “underreported and underrecognized” when they are linked to occupational exposure to asbestos, the National Health Security Agency (Anses) estimated in a press release.
The latter, which had been seized by various ministries (Health, Labor, etc.) to assess the issue, has just submitted a report confirming the existence of a cause and effect relationship between these cancers and exposure to asbestos.
On the other hand, the ANSES did not examine the link between asbestos and other cancers -pharynx, stomach, colorectal-, although it had been asked to do so. She explains this choice by “resource” and “schedule” considerations.
A link already recognized but not very detailed.
Asbestos, used for several decades during the 20th century in building construction, is now banned in many countries such as France, due to its dangerous health effects.
Its link with laryngeal or ovarian cancers had already been recognized for several years by several organizations, including the Institute for Health Surveillance – the predecessor of the current French Public Health – and, at an international level, the International Research Center on cancer, linked to the UNITED NATIONS.
However, it is documented in less detail than for other cancers, such as those of the pleura -name of each of the two membranes that surround the lung- or of the lung.
“Asbestos is commonly associated with cancers of the lung and pleura, neither doctors nor patients establish the link with other cancers,” lamented Alexandra Papadopoulos, executive of ANSES, quoted in the press release.
Towards better compensation
The institution is thus paving the way for better compensation for patients, by promoting its recognition as an occupational disease. He is in favor of creating tables of occupational diseases for these two types of cancer, as is already the case with those of the bronchopulmonary pathways.
Such a move would create a “presumption of origin” for the cancers in question, making the process easier for patients.
“Currently, it is already possible for these cancers to be recognized as an occupational disease, but this requires the victim to present proof of the link between the cancer and their work,” explained Alexandra Papadopoulos.
Source: BFM TV
