Understanding the Link Between Asbestos and Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer is one of the top killers of people in the U.S. each year, with more than 120,000 deaths and nearly a quarter million new diagnoses annually. While we all know that smoking can cause lung cancer, ten to 20 percent of people who develop lung cancer have never smoked. In many cases, people develop lung cancer or mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. In this post, we’ll discuss the link between asbestos and lung cancer, including the risks, causes, and potential consequences of asbestos-related lung cancer.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a lightweight, fibrous mineral naturally occurring in rocks and soil. Because asbestos is heat-resistant, manufacturers have incorporated asbestos into shipbuilding, construction materials, auto parts, and fire-retardant clothing. Unfortunately, asbestos can also be deadly when inhaled or ingested by people and animals and is a known carcinogen.
Asbestos and Cancer
If materials containing asbestos are damaged or disturbed, the lightweight fibers can easily enter the air or water, where we can inhale or ingest them. Materials with asbestos are often found in older buildings, including older manufacturing plants, roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, and insulation. When a building containing asbestos is renovated or destroyed, the asbestos can be inhaled or ingested. Once in the lungs, asbestos can cause scarring, inflammation, and genetic changes to the cells. Asbestos is a common cause of chronic health conditions, including:
- Mesothelioma, a cancer of the pleural lining of the abdomen and lungs
- Asbestosis, a progressive, chronic lung condition
- Lung cancer
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Asbestos can typically cause two primary forms of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- Small Cell Lung Cancer:
- SCLC is less common than NSCLC but is often more aggressive and spreads rapidly, making it more challenging to treat.
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer:
- NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure and spreads more slowly. It makes up about 80% of all lung cancer cases.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer Risk Factors
The primary risk factor for asbestos-related lung cancer is asbestos exposure. If you work in an occupation like construction or as a plumber, electrician, or shipyard worker, you are at a higher risk for asbestos-related lung cancer. However, your family members could also be at risk from secondary exposure to asbestos fibers brought home on your work clothes and belongings. You can also face asbestos exposure if you live near a manufacturing plant using asbestos.
Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
The symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer are similar to those of other lung cancers, including:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you have these symptoms and a history of primary or secondary asbestos exposure, you should immediately see your doctor. Even without symptoms, you should make sure your doctor knows about your history of asbestos exposure so you can routinely be screened for any related health conditions.
Legal Options
You don’t have to figure this out alone if you have asbestos-related lung cancer. You may be entitled to compensation, and the experienced asbestos litigation lawyers at the Madeksho Law Firm can help. We've been working with victims of asbestos exposure since 1972. Your first consultation is free, and you never pay a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Give us a call at 888-910-6376 or contact us online.
