Understanding Lung Cancer and Asbestos-Related Risks: A Guide for Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is observed throughout the month of November each year. During this time it may be helpful to remind ourselves what Lung Cancer is, to know the different types of Lung Cancer and what the causes of Lung Cancer can be.
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung Cancer is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the lungs. Lung Cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the UK with about 46,400 people being diagnosed each year.
What are the different types of Lung Cancer?
There are 2 main types of primary Lung Cancer. These are called Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).
Non-small cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell Lung Cancer is the most common Lung Cancer and comprises three types:
- Adenocarcinoma – Develops from the cells that make mucus and is more often found in the outer area of the lung.
- Squamous cell carcinoma -Develops in the cells that line the airways. It is more often found in the main airways in the centre of the lungs
- Large cell Lung Cancer – An uncommon cancer that usually starts in the centre of the lungs.
If the Non-Small Cell Cancer is referred to as NOS (Not Otherwise Specified), this just means the expert doctor in cell types (pathologist) cannot say for certain what type of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer it is, but this is uncommon.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
This type of Lung Cancer gets its name from how the cancer looks under a microscope. This type of cancer makes up about 1 in 7 Lung Cancers (about 15%).
Secondary Lung Cancer
Sometimes cancer cells break away from the part of the body where the cancer started (primary cancer). They travel to another part of the body, such as the lungs. This is called secondary cancer or metastatic cancer.
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer
This develops in lung tissue. It occurs in the two main types of cancer; Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Small-Cell Lung Cancer.
Mesothelioma
This is a cancer of the mesothelium – a thin lining that covers the outer surface of many organs in the body, and lines the spaces within the body, such as the chest or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma in the chest is called Pleural Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma in the abdomen (tummy) is called Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma is the more common of the two. Very rarely, Mesothelioma may develop in the outer lining of other organs.
Causes of Lung Cancer
Smoking tobacco is the cause of most Lung Cancers and the biggest risk factor. However, people who do not smoke can still develop Lung Cancer but their risk is much lower. Lung Cancer is more common in older people and this is probably due in part to older generations more likely having a smoking history.
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer is a rare form of Lung Cancer caused by or contributed to by exposure to asbestos fibres. It is commonly diagnosed at a late stage because the time period between exposure and onset of symptoms is rarely less than 20 or 30 years. Asbestos related Lung Cancer typically needs evidence of a high level of exposure to asbestos fibres having taken place in the past.
Causes of Mesothelioma
The most common cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibres. Mesothelioma typically develops many decades years after exposure to asbestos fibres. Occupational asbestos exposure is the primary cause of Mesothelioma. Whereas asbestos related Lung Cancer requires a high level of exposure to asbestos fibres, Mesothelioma requires a much lower level of exposure to asbestos fibres.
What is asbestos and how can it cause Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is a group of natural minerals made up of microscopic fibres that used to be widely used in construction and other industries within the UK These tiny fibres can easily get in the lungs where they become stuck, damaging the lungs over time. For most people the fibres will not cause any medical issues but for some, they can cause serious ill health concerns many years after the exposure to the asbestos materials took place.
The use of asbestos materials was banned in the UK 1999 but existing asbestos containing materials are still found in many older buildings today, including in publicly used buildings such as schools, shops and offices.
Lung Cancer symptoms
There are many different signs of Lung Cancer and it is important to be aware of all the signs so early medical advice can be sought. Many of these symptoms are also commonly seen in the early stages of Mesothelioma:
- A persistent cough (that lasts 3 weeks or more)
- Feeling breathless for no reason
- Repeated chest infections or chest infections that don’t improve after treatment
- Losing weight without intention
- Coughing up blood or blood in your phlegm
- A cough that changes or get worse
- Unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
- Chest or shoulder pain
Less common symptoms can include:
- Back pain
- Wheezing
- A hoarse voice
- Finger clubbing (where the tips of your fingers swell around your nail)
- Difficulty swallowing
- A swelling in your face or neck
What to do if you have potential Lung Cancer symptoms?
If you have any of the symptoms above or you have a known history of asbestos exposure, it is important to see your GP and have your symptoms checked out. You can request regular x-rays and/scans to check for asbestos disease if you know you have been exposed to asbestos fibres in the past.
If you are diagnosed with Lung Cancer or any asbestos related disease, you can obtain advice and information from your specialist cancer nurse and doctors and from various support groups and organisations.
How can Hodge Jones and Allen help if you have developed asbestos-related cancer or Mesothelioma?
Hodge Jones and Allen have been working with clients to seek asbestos and Mesothelioma compensation for many years. We understand what is required and our experienced team of Industrial Disease Lawyers have specialised skills and legal knowledge to be able to help you claim the compensation you deserve.
If you know you were exposed to asbestos materials at work, you might be able to claim compensation from your employer at the time of the exposure. It may be helpful for you and your family to have some extra funds to help you cope with the illness and its treatment.
You might also be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). IIDB is a benefit that you can claim if your disability was caused by your work. In addition, you might be able to make a claim for a one-off payment under the Pneumoconiosis Etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act. Hodge Jones and Allen can advise about these benefits and submit benefit applications on your behalf. Our asbestos disease legal services are offered at no financial risk to you whatsoever – there really is nothing to lose in seeking advice from us.
How can you contact Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors?
To speak to our specialist Asbestos & Mesothelioma Compensation Solicitors, please call 0330 822 3451 or request a callback.
