Colon Cancer and Asbestos Exposure

Abnormal cells in the colon divide uncontrollably and form a malignant tumor and colon cancer. The colon is part of the body’s digestive system that takes up nutrients from food and water and stores solid waste until is eliminated from the body.
Colon cancer can occur as a result of environmental exposure to chrysotile asbestos through the ingestion of contaminated drinking water. Although the body has a large ability to transport and eliminate asbestos fibers rapidly, some of the fibers may be retained in the colon and lead to the development and proliferation of cancer cells. Asbestos attacks the colon’s mucosa and influences regulation of steady-state DNA synthesis of the cells, proliferating cancer cells in the colon.
Colonoscopy is one of the leading screening tests for colon cancer. It consists of optical(lighted tube insertion) or virtual(x-ray) tests that look for cancer polyps or other abnormalities in the colon.

Infographic Source: https://www.elglaw.com/infographics/colon-cancer-and-asbestos-exposure/