ANSES had been contacted by several ministries to assess the link between these cancers and exposure to asbestos.
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Some cancers of the larynx and ovaries are indeed linked to exposure to asbestos, confirmed the French health authorities on Monday, September 19. These two types of cancer are “underreported and underrecognized” when they are linked to occupational exposure to this material, estimated the National Health Security Agency (Anses).
Asbestos, used for several decades during the 20th century in the construction of buildings, is now banned in many countries such as France, due to its dangerous effects on health. Its link with cancers of the larynx or ovaries had already been recognized for several years by various organizations, including the Institute for Public Health Surveillance (forerunner of Public Health France) and, abroad, the International Center for Research on Cancer, linked to the UN. However, it is documented in less detail than for other cancers, such as those of the pleura or the lung.
ANSES had been contacted by several ministries (Health, Labour, etc.) to assess the subject and has just issued a report in which it confirms the existence of a causal link between these cancers and exposure to asbestos. It thus opens the way to better compensation for patients, by promoting their recognition as an occupational disease. She is in favor of the creation of tables of occupational diseases for cancers larynx and ovariesas is already the case for those of the bronchopulmonary tract.
Such a measure would create a “presumption of origin” for the cancers concerned, which would facilitate the process for patients. “Currently, it is already possible to have these cancers recognized as an occupational disease, but this requires the victim to provide proof of the link between the cancer and his work”has explained Alexandra Papadopoulos, executive of ANSES. On the other hand, the agency did not examine the link between asbestos and other cancers (pharynx, stomach, colorectal, etc.), although it had been asked to do so. She explains this choice by considerations of “resources” and of “calendar”.