Raising Awareness About Asbestos-Related Cancers Following World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day, which was established on the 4th February 2000, at the World Cancer Summit against Cancer for the New Millenium is an internationally marked day taking place on the 4th February each year, to raise awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.

World Cancer Day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control to support the goals of the World Cancer Declaration, written in 2008. The primary goal of World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illness and death caused by cancer and is an opportunity to rally the international community to end the injustice of preventable suffering from cancer.

The most common cancers worldwide and in Western nations are breast, lung, prostate and colorectal cancers, which account for over half of new cases. Other frequently diagnosed cancers include skin cancer, thyroid, kidney and bladder cancers. Awareness about these type of cancers is high but people may not be as aware of or indeed know that cancers can be caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.

What type of cancers can be caused by exposure to asbestos?

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is not widely known primarily because it is a rare cancer with a very long, hidden latency period (typically 15-60 years) between exposure to asbestos and the development of symptoms. Because it is rare, with 2218 cases diagnosed in the UK in 2023, it lacks the public profile of more common cancers.

Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibres, which become trapped in the body and trigger inflammation, genetic damage and tumour growth. 9 out of 10 cases are linked to occupational asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma mainly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart or testicles. Less than 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over, and men are affected more commonly than women.

The different types of Mesothelioma

• Pleural Mesothelioma: Occurs in the lining of the lungs (Pleura). This is the most common Mesothelioma, making up 80-90% of cases
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Occurs in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Second most common.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma: Occurs in the lining around the heart (pericardium). Very rare, under 1% of cases.
• Testicular Mesothelioma: Occurs In the lining of the testicles (tunica vaginalis). Extremely rare, under 1% of cases.

Mesothelioma is currently incurable though research continues in an effort to find a cure, but there are treatments available which focus on management of symptoms and promote quality of life. Common treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and rarely and in in some early stage cases, surgery.

Asbestos-related lung cancer

Asbestos-related lung cancer is a serious disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, often developing decades after exposure. The NHS provides comprehensive care, including diagnosis via CT scans and biopsies, and treatment through immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and symptom management. While often incurable, treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer?

Early pleural mesothelioma symptoms and asbestos-related lung cancer symptoms are often mild and easily mistaken for common illnesses, but key signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and fever. Abdominal pain and bloating and the most common symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma, with difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat for pericardial mesothelioma and swelling, pain or lumps in the scrotum for testicular mesothelioma.

Because symptoms develop slowly, it’s crucial to inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure history, as early signs can be subtle and non-specific.

Other lung diseases caused by exposure to asbestos

Of course, cancers are not the only diseases that can be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos inhalation can cause asbestosis (fibrosis within the lung) and pleural thickening (a lung condition where the membrane lining the lungs scars and thickens, leading to breathlessness).

What can you do if you are concerned that you have been exposed to asbestos and you have health concerns?

• Medical Consultation: Tell your GP about all past or present jobs with asbestos risk, or if you lived with someone who worked with it.
• Monitor Health: Watch for symptoms such as wheezing, extreme tiredness, or clubbed/swollen fingertips.
• Document Exposure: Maintain a record of when and how you were exposed, as this is crucial for medical and legal purposes.
• Diagnostic Tests: Your doctor may recommend chest X-rays, CT scans, or lung function tests to check for diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, or asbestos-related lung cancer.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Quit smoking to reduce further lung damage, get flu/pneumonia vaccines, and stay active while avoiding overexertion.
• Legal/Financial Advice: If diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to claim compensation and /or DWP benefits.

If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos-related condition such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or any other asbestos-related disease, our experienced asbestos solicitors can advise you as to whether you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.

Our team has significant experience in successfully securing compensation for Mesothelioma, asbestos-related pleural thickening, asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Speak with our specialist asbestos solicitors today on 0330 822 3451  or submit an online enquiry and a member of the team will contact you promptly.