When a person or professional refers to a risk factor in the world of medicine and health, what they are actually referring to is any factor that can heighten the risk of contracting a certain illness or disease. For instance, in the case of lung cancer, one very common and well known risk factor is smoking, and in the case of the asbestos related cancer called mesothelioma, a risk factor is working with or having worked with asbestos, which is the cause of this type of cancer.
There are various habits, traits, and occurrences that can increase the risk of contracting a certain disease or illness, and this is what is referred to as a risk factor. When it comes to mesothelioma, the main risk factor is exposure to airborne asbestos, which for most people comes about as the result of working in a certain environment where there are asbestos products around. Smoking is another risk factor. Although this does not directly cause mesothelioma, it can increase the chances of getting it if you have also been exposed to asbestos.
Because exposure to asbestos dust and fibers appears in most cases to be occupational, jobs can be referred to risk factors in the case of asbestos related cancer, including jobs such as electricians, carpenters, painters, tile setters, roofers, iron workers, maintenance workers, plasterers, automotive technicians, navy workers, furnace workers, steam fitters, and various other professions where there is a risk of being exposed to asbestos.
If you know that you have one or more risk factors associated with a disease, such as cancer, it is important to remain vigilant and visit your doctor for checkups. Also, make your doctor aware of the risk factors, as this could enable him or her to make a more informed and accurate diagnosis should you fall ill in the future.
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