In rare cases, mesothelioma can be inherited through a mutation of the BAP1 gene, which can make mesothelioma development more likely. That said, the most common way of developing mesothelioma is through asbestos exposure.

If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos at work, home, school, or in the military, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

How People Inherit Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma isn’t generally thought of as being hereditary — but scientists and researchers have actually discovered that it is possible to inherit the disease.

This process can occur through the mutation of the BAP1 gene, which makes it more likely that a person will develop mesothelioma in their lifetime.

“We found that most mesothelioma patients from high-risk cancer families have 1-4 inherited mutations in cancer-related genes that may predispose them to the carcinogenic effects of asbestos,” said Dr. Joseph R. Testa, Chief of Genomic Medicine Professor of the Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

While it’s important to be aware of BAP1 gene mutation, most people develop mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos.

When asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed, there’s no way for the body to remove them. These fibers irritate healthy tissue and can eventually cause tumors to form 10-50 years later.

Even if you were not directly exposed, you can still develop mesothelioma if you lived with someone who handled asbestos products.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos and it led to an illness, you may be eligible for compensation. Download our Free Asbestos Products Guide to learn about your options.

Mutation of BAP1 Gene Can Increase Mesothelioma Risk

Research has found that mutations in the BAP1 gene are responsible for increased overall cancer risk, not just for mesothelioma. Therefore, if an individual has the BAP1 gene mutation, they may be at risk for other cancers as well.

“About 1% of people with mesothelioma have inherited mesothelioma, meaning the risk of developing the disease was passed from parent to child within a family. Usually, it is due to a mutation or change in a gene called BAP1.”

– American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

The links between mesothelioma cancer and gene mutations are still being investigated by researchers. More information is needed to explain how and why the BAP1 gene mutation affects mesothelioma development.

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Family history still plays a role in the development of mesothelioma. Between the 1930s and early 1980s, millions of workers unknowingly put their families at risk.

The real culprits were the manufacturers of asbestos-based products that hid the dangers to protect their bottom line.

Parents who served in the military or worked in blue-collar industries could have brought asbestos fibers back into their homes on their clothes, hair, skin, and work equipment.

“I believe that Andrew obtained mesothelioma from secondhand exposure. His mom would come home and wash their clothes all together. They would eat together. The fragments of asbestos were embedded in the clothing of not just the dad but all of the siblings.”

– LaTanyta, wife of a mesothelioma warrior

If your parents or other family members worked with asbestos on a regular basis and later developed mesothelioma, you may also be at risk of developing the cancer in the future.

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure: A Case Study

When Julie Gundlach was growing up, her father worked as a commercial electrician in St. Louis, bringing asbestos fibers home on his clothes every day. He often did his laundry next to Julie’s play area as a child.

Years later, doctors found out that the mass in Julie’s abdomen was actually peritoneal mesothelioma caused by secondary asbestos exposure. Julie never worked around asbestos but was still at risk. As of 2025, however, Julie has fought and survived mesothelioma for over 19 years.

A recent study published in Frontiers in Toxicology showed that mice with a genetic predisposition for mesothelioma developed cancer more rapidly when exposed to asbestos.

Action Steps for Those at Risk of Inheriting Mesothelioma

If you believe that you or a loved one is at risk of inheriting mesothelioma, whether through a genetic mutation or through secondhand exposure, talk to a medical professional.

A mesothelioma doctor can help you get tested for the BAP1 gene mutation and determine if you’re at risk of getting this cancer.

“If there could be some kind of an inherited or hereditary component, we immediately get genetic counseling involved. There’s clearly growing evidence that genetics plays a role in a certain proportion of patients.”

Dr. Richard Alexander, mesothelioma specialist at Rutgers Cancer Institute

You should also tell your doctor if you’ve ever lived or worked around asbestos. A doctor can better assess your risk and help you figure out if you may have had secondhand exposure.

If you start to develop any warning signs of mesothelioma, such as a dry cough, shortness of breath, or loss of appetite, it’s critical to talk to your physician as soon as possible.

Early detection and treatment can greatly improve your prognosis.

Learn More About Inheriting Mesothelioma

Inheriting mesothelioma is rare, but a possibility that everyone should be aware of. If you believe that you or a loved one is at risk, there’s help available.

Our team of Patient Advocates can help you determine how you may have been exposed to asbestos, find the best treatment options, and pursue compensation for your medical expenses.

Contact us today or give us a call at (866) 608-8933 to get started.

Asbestos Guide
Download Asbestos Products GuideFree 2025 Asbestos Guide
  • Asbestos safety information
  • Products containing asbestos
  • Common exposure risks

Get Your Free Guide

Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 17 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

Our Promise to You
Our Promise to You
References
  1. American Cancer Society. (November 16, 2018). Risk Factors For Mesothelioma. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
  2. American Society of Clinical Oncology. (February 2019). Mesothelioma: Risk Factors. Retrieved from Internet Archive website: https://web.archive.org/web/20200807041756/https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/risk-factors
  3. Fox Chase Cancer Center. (May 19, 2021). International Study Identifies New Mesothelioma Predisposition Gene. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.foxchase.org/news/2021-05-19-international-study-identifies-new-mesothelioma-predisposition-gene
  4. Frontiers in Toxicology. (June 26, 2023). Asbestos Accelerates Disease Onset in a Genetic Model of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/toxicology/articles/10.3389/ftox.2023.1200650/full
  5. National Library of Medicine. (January 10, 2018). The Genetic Susceptibility in the Development of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5830564/

Get Your Free 2025 Mesothelioma Guide

  • Symptoms & staging
  • Average prognosis
  • Life-extending treatments
Get Your Free Guide Now
4th Edition of Free Mesothelioma Guide