November is lung cancer awareness month here in the UK, and as we know, there is a link between Asbestos and lung cancer; working with Asbestos for a prolonged period can heighten the risk of developing the disease. A study in 2020 found that Asbestos is responsible for 37.5% of all occupational lung cancer cases.
It is more important than ever to go and see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of lung cancer. This is especially true if you have worked with Asbestos in the past.
Asbestos and Lung Cancer
In the past, the use of Asbestos was very common. However, we now know that it can cause serious illnesses. Asbestos and lung cancer are linked because of this fact, as lung cancer is one of the conditions that can develop after working with the substance.
Lung cancer from exposure to Asbestos can take years to develop. Many people with the disease do not start showing symptoms until at least 15 years after working with Asbestos. Because of this, many people think that it is too late to make a claim, but that is not always the case.
Examples of other conditions that exposure to Asbestos can cause include Asbestosis, mesothelioma, and pleural plaques.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious disease where the lung tissue hardens. It is a slowly progressive disease, usually taking between 15 and 30 years to develop. It is associated with long-term exposure to Asbestos fibres.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. The cause of this disease is exposure to Asbestos fibres. It develops in the lining of the lungs, and it most commonly affects men aged between 60 and 80. Unfortunately, it is rarely possible to cure the disease, treatment can usually only help control the symptoms.
Symptoms of Asbestos-Induced Lung Cancer
The symptoms of lung cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos are similar to the symptoms for lung cancer. These include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Sudden weight or appetite loss
If you develop any of these symptoms, it is best to go and see a doctor straight away, because the condition may be worse than you think.
Claiming on Behalf of Someone Else
Sadly, it is often the case that you may have to claim on behalf of a loved one. This is often the case with Asbestos-related claims, as the damage from Asbestos develops over many years. So, you may be able to make a claim on a loved one’s behalf if they have died or are unable to speak for themselves due to their illness being so far advanced.
If you are speaking on behalf of a loved one, and they were diagnosed with an Asbestos related condition in the last three years, then we may be able to help.
How We Can Help
Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with specialist solicitors who have years of experience dealing with several industrial disease claims. This includes Asbestos related lung cancer. Contact us today by filling in our contact form, or by calling us on 01614138765 to speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable advisors.