Sedentary Jobs and Colon Cancer: Legal Implications for Asbestos-Related Claims
The study "Sedentary Jobs and Colon Cancer" by S. E. Norell, H. Kiviranta, N. L. Pedersen, and A. Ahlbom, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 1986, investigates the link between sedentary occupations and colon cancer risk. This 19-year follow-up study of 1.1 million Swedish men revealed that those in sedentary jobs had a 1.3 times higher risk of developing colon cancer compared to those in physically active jobs. The highest risk was observed in the transverse colon (RR = 1.6), while the risk for rectal cancer was not elevated. The study controlled for confounding factors such as age, social class, and population density, emphasizing the role of occupational factors in cancer development. These findings provide valuable insights into how workplace conditions, including sedentary behavior, may contribute to cancer risk.
This study is highly relevant in asbestos-related legal claims, particularly for individuals who developed colon cancer after working in sedentary occupations with potential asbestos exposure. While the study does not directly address asbestos, it highlights the significant role of occupational factors in cancer risk. Legal teams can use this research to argue that workplace conditions, including exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos, contributed to cancer development. The study also provides a framework for countering defense claims that attribute cancer solely to lifestyle factors, such as diet or smoking, by emphasizing the occupational environment's impact. Additionally, it underscores the importance of employers’ responsibility to mitigate workplace risks, including exposure to carcinogens.
The study's findings are particularly relevant to sedentary occupations where asbestos exposure may have occurred. These include:
These groups are at heightened risk due to the combination of sedentary behavior and potential asbestos exposure, making them key focus areas in legal claims.
The study aligns with current medical knowledge, which recognizes that sedentary behavior increases colon cancer risk by slowing colon peristalsis, thereby prolonging contact between carcinogens and the colon lining. While the study does not directly address asbestos, it complements existing research on occupational cancer risks, reinforcing the need to consider workplace exposures in cancer causation.
Norell, S. E., Kiviranta, H., Pedersen, N. L., & Ahlbom, A. (1986). Sedentary jobs and colon cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology, 123(5), 775-780. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a114306
For further details, visit the study's page on the National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3962961/
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, colon cancer, asbestosis, or other asbestos-related diseases, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced legal team specializes in asbestos-related claims and can help you navigate the legal process to secure the justice and financial support you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
