September 19, 2024 Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, but many people at risk aren’t getting screened or diagnosed when it could make a difference. The recent death of Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Andre Braugher from the disease and Big Bang Theory actress Kate Micucci’s disclosure that she had surgery following her lung cancer diagnosis may help raise awareness and lead to better outcomes, as early diagnosis is critical in treating the disease.
Barriers to the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
One of the obstacles to early diagnosis is a lack of understanding of what causes lung cancer. Exposure to hazardous and toxic materials such as asbestos and benzene, environmental pollution, and genetic factors all play a role in lung and related cancers.
Additionally, race can also play a critical role. Research has found that African-American men, like Braugher, are less likely to get screened and diagnosed early. As a result, they have the highest rate of death from lung cancer. Efforts to improve screening among minorities have not been as successful as hoped, although more work is being done to improve those statistics.
Exposure to Chemical Hazards and Lung Cancer
Hazardous and toxic materials, such as asbestos, can have short- and long-term health effects. Initial chemical exposure symptoms may include trouble breathing or coughing from the inhalation of asbestos fibers or other irritants. However, many who are exposed may not notice, and they may not even know that asbestos fibers were in the area they were in. This is a special risk in construction projects on older buildings that may have used asbestos-containing materials, as happened in schools in Iowa and New Jersey. Students were potentially exposed to asbestos after poor remediation efforts.
In addition, corporations, manufacturers and employers have known for generations about the dangers of asbestos but often failed to provide workers with safety gear to limit exposure.
As a result, it is important to be aware of any changes to your breathing or other symptoms. This is especially critical when exposed to asbestos, as symptoms and cancers may take decades to form.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Even small changes to breathing and lung capacity may be symptoms of lung problems. If you’ve even been exposed to hazardous chemicals, especially asbestos, it is important to look for shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, blood when you cough or unexplained weight loss or fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms of lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis, it is important to see a doctor for a screening as soon as possible. As Braugher’s and Micucci’s cases show, early detection of cancer is critical to survival.
How does asbestos exposure cause mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of these organs, causing inflammation and scarring over time. Chronic irritation and damage can lead to the development of mesothelioma.
Does asbestos exposure cause other diseases?
Asbestos exposure poses significant health risks beyond mesothelioma, affecting various organs and systems in the body. These include lung cancer, scarring in the lung tissue that can lead to trouble breathing and respiratory failure, inflammation of the lining around the lungs, and cancers of the kidney, esophagus and larynx.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Symptoms of mesothelioma may vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss and abdominal swelling or pain in cases of abdominal mesothelioma. However, symptoms may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure, making early detection challenging.
How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffered from a disease caused by asbestos, like mesothelioma, we can help.
