Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

Which type of cancer is considered the most aggressive due to asbestos exposure?

1. Lung Cancer

2. Mesothelioma

3. Gastrointestinal Cancer

4. Throat Cancer

The correct answer is: Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is regarded as the most aggressive type of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. This cancer specifically affects the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers many internal organs, most commonly the lungs. The latency period for mesothelioma can be quite long, often ranging from 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos, which makes early diagnosis challenging. The aggressive nature of mesothelioma is characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis, with survival rates being significantly lower than other cancers, even when detected early. Treatment options are often limited, and the disease may resist typical cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Conversely, while lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and throat cancer are also linked to asbestos exposure, they do not match the specificity and direct relationship that mesothelioma has with asbestos, nor do they typically exhibit the same level of aggressiveness and difficulty in treatment.