What are My Chances of Getting Lung Cancer from Asbestos?
It’s a grim statistic: Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer death in the United States — deadlier than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined, and responsible for roughly 125,00 deaths in the U.S. each year.
Along with mesothelioma, lung cancer is also the primary disease that affects people who have worked around asbestos. While mesothelioma (a cancer of the lung membranes) can only be caused by asbestos exposure, lung cancer has other causes, (like smoking).
If you suspect your lung cancer is related to asbestos exposure, consult the expert attorneys at Serling & Abramson, P.C., a Michigan-based law firm with over 50 years in representing victims of asbestos-related diseases and recovering the compensation they deserve.
The Link Between Asbestos and Lung Cancer
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, with fibers that, when inhaled, can embed in the lungs and cause severe damage over time. While mesothelioma is exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, lung cancer can arise from a variety of factors, including smoking.
Workers exposed to asbestos-containing materials in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing are at an elevated risk of developing lung cancer. Even secondary exposure, such as inhaling fibers brought home on clothing, can lead to asbestos-related diseases.
What Do the Statistics Say About Lung Cancer and Asbestos?
The research underscores the significant risks posed by asbestos exposure. According to recent studies, the risk of lung cancer is 5 to 7 times higher in individuals exposed to asbestos compared to those with no exposure.
For smokers, the danger compounds dramatically. Workers exposed to both asbestos fibers and cigarette smoke are 50 to 90 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers without asbestos exposure. Smoking amplifies the carcinogenic risk of asbestos by damaging lung tissue and reducing the body’s ability to expel inhaled asbestos fibers.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Lead to Lung Cancer?
When asbestos is disturbed, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. These fibers lodge in the lungs, where they irritate tissues and trigger inflammation. Over time, this can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, pleural thickening, and the development of cancerous cells.
Factors that influence the likelihood of developing lung cancer include:
- Length of Exposure: The longer you are exposed to asbestos, the higher your risk.
- Level of Asbestos Exposure: High concentrations of asbestos fibers pose a greater threat.
- Type of Asbestos: All forms of asbestos are hazardous and can cause serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. While chrysotile is the most widely used, amphibole types (like crocidolite and amosite) are considered more toxic due to their straight, sharp fibers.
- Smoking History: Smoking weakens lung defenses, compounding the impact of asbestos exposure.
- Genetics: A family history of lung cancer can increase susceptibility.
Who Is at the Highest Risk of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer?
Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common cause of asbestos-related lung cancer. High-risk occupations include:
- Construction Workers: Asbestos was widely used in building materials such as insulation, floor tiles, and roofing.
- Shipyard Workers: Workers repairing and maintaining ships were exposed to asbestos in pipes, boilers, and insulation.
- Auto Mechanics: Asbestos was a key component in brake pads, clutches, and gaskets.
- Factory Workers: Many industrial sites used asbestos in machinery and protective equipment.
- Plumbers and Pipefitters: Asbestos was often used to insulate pipes and plumbing systems.
- Railroad Workers: Train brakes, insulation, and other components often contain asbestos.
- Oil Refinery Workers: Equipment in refineries was often coated with asbestos for heat resistance.
Secondary exposure is also a risk. Family members of workers may inhale fibers brought home on clothing, hair, or skin, leading to similar health risks.
Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Lung cancer symptoms often do not appear until 15 to 35 years after asbestos exposure, making early diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of Breath: A persistent or worsening difficulty in breathing.
- Chronic Cough: A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens over time.
- Chest Pain: Pain that intensifies with deep breaths or coughing.
- Coughing Up Blood: Rust-colored spit or phlegm.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss without a clear cause.
- Fatigue: Persistent weakness or tiredness.
- Recurring Infections: Frequent bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Hoarseness: Changes in voice quality.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a medical professional immediately. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.
The Risk of Lung Cancer from Asbestos
Your risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos depends on several factors:
- Occupational Exposure: Workers in high-risk industries, such as shipbuilding and construction, are most vulnerable.
- Secondhand Exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also develop asbestos-related diseases.
- Level of Exposure: Higher levels of asbestos exposure increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
- Smoking History: Heavy smokers with asbestos exposure face significantly higher risks.
Chances of Survival and Life Expectancy
The survival rate for asbestos-related lung cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis, type of cancer, and overall health. Early detection improves the prognosis, but lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, reducing survival rates.
Legal Options for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and have a history of exposure to asbestos, you may be eligible for compensation through legal claims, settlements, or asbestos trust funds. Compensation can cover:
- Medical Expenses: Treatments, surgeries, and medications.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time off work due to illness.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for emotional and physical distress.
- Wrongful Death: For families who lose a loved one to asbestos-related illnesses.
Serling & Abramson, P.C. specializes in asbestos-related litigation and has helped victims secure compensation for their suffering.
Treatment Options for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Treatment for lung cancer typically involves a combination of:
- Surgery: Removing cancerous tissue or tumors.
- Radiation Therapy: Targeting cancer cells with high-energy rays.
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.
- Targeted Therapy: Using drugs to target specific cancer cells.
Access to advanced treatment can improve outcomes, but these treatments often come at a significant financial cost, underscoring the importance of pursuing compensation.
Serling & Abramson: Fighting for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, Serling & Abramson, P.C. is here to help. With over 50 years of experience, we’ve built a comprehensive database of asbestos exposure sites in Michigan and beyond. Our legal team will investigate your exposure history, identify responsible companies, and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and financial relief.
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