Why Regular Lung Cancer Screenings Are Essential for Those at Greater Risk
Lung cancer, often linked to smoking, can affect anyone. However, certain groups are at a higher risk due to occupational or environmental exposure beyond their control. If you belong to one of these at-risk populations, you may unknowingly be vulnerable:
Lung cancer symptoms, particularly in the early years, often look and sound a lot like other, more common health issues. Americans in high-risk groups should pay close attention to early symptoms, engage in regular screenings, and contact experienced attorneys to work toward compensation.
High-Risk Groups for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer, primarily when caused by smoking, can impact anyone. However, some populations face an elevated risk of lung cancer due to occupational or environmental exposure out of their control. If you belong to one of these groups, you might unknowingly be at risk:
- Construction Workers: Regular exposure to asbestos or chemicals in building materials such as insulation and tiles
- Shipyard Workers: Frequent contact with asbestos in ships' insulation, gaskets, and other materials
- Industrial Workers: Risks from exposure to asbestos in factories, chemical plants, and refineries
- Firefighters: Contact with asbestos-containing materials and chemical fumes in older buildings during fires
- U.S. Military Veterans: Especially Navy veterans who served on ships with asbestos-laden components
- Family Members: Secondary exposure from chemicals, smoke, or asbestos fibers brought home on workers' clothing
These are not the only workers at risk; any workplace with elevated carcinogen levels increases the likelihood of cancer. But if your screenings might be worth considering for unusual, chronic symptoms, it might be worth considering early screenings.
How Regular Screenings Help Identify and Treat Lung Cancer
Most people don't immediately assume they have cancer when health issues arise. Some of the early symptoms of lung cancer, such as persistent coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath, can easily be mistaken for minor respiratory issues. Even discussions with a doctor regarding health concerns might not discover the underlying disease without proper testing.
Modern screening methods, like CT scans and X-rays, provide a more accurate way to detect lung cancer than simply identifying symptoms. Not everyone with a cough is likely to receive scans to check for cancer, but these screenings are recommended for those in high-risk groups. Regular screenings provide the following concrete benefits:
1. Detects cancer at an earlier stage, improving and expanding treatment options
2. Allows for treatment of chronic symptoms that would otherwise continue to cause discomfort and pain
3. Helps document and connect the diagnosis to occupational exposure if caught early
Identifying lung cancer is just the beginning of a difficult journey. Beyond medical treatments, many individuals face challenges as they work to hold responsible parties accountable for workplace exposure.
Madeksho Law Can Help High-Risk Workers
At Madeksho Law, our attorneys understand the devastating impact of lung cancer on individuals and families. For over 50 years, we have fought for victims of workplace exposure to asbestos and other harmful substances. Our firm's history of success speaks for itself, with over $400 million in compensation recovered for clients since 1972. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, or related health issues that you believe are due to unsafe workplace conditions, Madeksho Law is here to help.
Regular screenings save lives, and experienced asbestos attorneys can support you to secure compensation after a diagnosis. You can contact Madeksho Law today at 888-910-MESO (6376) or give details online to schedule your free consultation with the Madeksho team.
