Ahead of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, is asbestos-related lung cancer a disease of the past?

November 1 marks the start of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, when charities, healthcare professionals and various organisations will be joining together to raise awareness of the risks of lung cancer, the importance of screening, sharing advancements in treatment and the importance of support for people sadly diagnosed with the disease. 

As a specialist asbestos-related disease solicitor, I think it's also an important time for many of us to continue to understand and raise awareness of why asbestos-related lung cancer remains a significant health concern. 

Exposure to asbestos

It’s widely accepted that lung cancer can be caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibres, along with several other asbestos-related conditions including pleural thickening and asbestosis.  In addition, mesothelioma is also a cancer of the lining of the lungs and is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure.

As with all asbestos-related diseases, exposure to the harmful substance often occurs many years ago and the disease is often diagnosed 30 to 40 years later or even longer. 

Medical experts believe that to establish a diagnosis of asbestos-related lung cancer, there should be the following:

• Evidence of fibrosis of the lungs due to asbestos exposure;
• One year’s heavy exposure or five to 10 years moderate exposure to asbestos 

People are often unaware that smokers who have also been exposed to asbestos over a period of time have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. 

The HSE stats 

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive indicates that approximately 2,500 people a year die from asbestos-related lung cancer.

Sadly, however, there are a lot less people seeking support for government benefit awards and civil claims for compensation. 

More needs to be done to continue to highlight not only the risks of developing asbestos-related lung cancer but also the fact that it still remains a significant health concern for many people. 

Why is it still a significant health concern?

Asbestos-related diseases have a long latency period and it's always important for people to consider at length how they may have been exposed to asbestos. 

More often, we are supporting people who have not worked directly with asbestos themselves but have worked around others using asbestos. 

The presence of asbestos in thousands of public buildings in the UK also means that heavy exposure could have occurred. 

Globally, there are still many countries that continue to use asbestos and it's important for the UK to share our expertise and experiences to prevent deaths occurring worldwide. 

Efforts to raise awareness, enforce regulations and call for the removal of asbestos from all public buildings must continue.

Symptoms to look out for

I would always encourage people to reach out if they have any signs or symptoms of lung cancer and encourage loved ones to do the same as well.

These include:

• A cough for three weeks or more;
• Repeated chest infections;
• Coughing up blood;
• Aches or pains when breathing or coughing;
• Persistent breathlessness and/or fatigue;
• Weight loss and loss of appetite 

In addition, if you or a loved one are invited to a Targeted Lung Health Check programme, it’s important to attend.  They will not only ask about your smoking history but also whether you have been exposed to asbestos.

Too often advice is sought when it is too late for any type of lung cancer, but together we can all try to make a difference and raise awareness of these diseases and signs and symptoms and improve outcomes in the future. 

How can we help?

At Irwin Mitchell, we regularly support clients with asbestos and other work-related lung cancers.

If you have any concerns about whether your lung cancer was caused by asbestos, it is always best to discuss this with your lung cancer healthcare professionals and also seek advice from a specialist solicitor in order to assist in investigating your diagnosis and the probable cause.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by exposure to asbestos at our dedicated asbestos-related disease claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.