November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and is aimed at raising awareness of the disease, its symptoms and how it can be diagnosed and treated. All of this can hopefully help to save lives.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK with more than 130 people being diagnosed each day.
The two main types of primary lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
It is most commonly caused by smoking, with 7 out of 10 cases being attributed to the habit. However, other causes include exposure to radon gas, air pollution and asbestos.
What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer?
- a cough for 3 or more weeks
- a change to a cough you have had for a while
- a chest infection that does not get better with treatment
- shortness of breath or wheeziness
- chest pain
- a hoarse voice for 3 or more weeks
- coughing up blood
- losing appetite and weight
- fatigue
These symptoms can, of course, occur for a number of reasons, many of which are not concerning, however, it is always best to get checked out by a doctor.
New screening programme
The UK is planning to introduce a new screening programme targeted at people at a high risk of developing lung cancer. It has been recommended that those between the ages of 55 and 74 who smoke or have smoked in the past should be invited to an assessment. If they are identified as high risk of developing lung cancer, the intention is that they will be offered a low-dose CT scan to screen for early signs of the disease. This could be life-changing and is expected to help save lives.
Asbestos exposure and lung cancer
Here at Asbestos Justice we advise people who have been diagnosed with lung cancer on a regular basis. We take a detailed work history and can often then assist people with claiming compensation to help them during their illness.
As well as the types of lung cancer described above, there is also a type of cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura) called mesothelioma. Whilst almost all cases of mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure and, therefore, a very easy link made, the same is not always the case for lung cancer. For lung cancer to be linked to asbestos exposure, a person has to have experienced very heavy exposure, such as that seen with laggers, demolition workers or those who have worked in asbestos factories.
Making a claim for asbestos related lung cancer
What should you think about when considering a potential claim?
- How did the exposure to asbestos occur?
- Did the exposure occur as a result of your work or were you exposed to asbestos as a result of working next to other tradesmen who were using it?
- When did the exposure happen and over how long?
- How regularly did the exposure happen?
- Which companies could be responsible for the exposure?
It is important to be aware that smoking does not prevent a claim for asbestos-related lung cancer as the two work together to increase a person’s risk of developing the disease even further.
We deal with all our claims on a no win, no fee basis and so you can be reassured in relation to any cost.
If you require assistance in pursuing an asbestos lung cancer claim, or believe you have a valid claim for any other asbestos disease, then please contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.