Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
As we observe Lung Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to understand the various causes of lung cancers and work hard to promote awareness about how and why these types of diseases occur, how to avoid them, and what our treatment options are. Fortunately, support communities across the country are coming together for just this very purpose.
Asbestos exposure can increase your risk for lung cancer. While not exclusive to the lungs, mesothelioma tumors often affect a thin lining around these organs, known as the mesothelial tissue. When affecting the lining around the lungs, this type of cancer is known as pleural mesothelioma and occurs in about two-thirds of mesothelioma patients.
Lowering Your Risk for Lung Cancer
Various factors can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer and many are avoidable. That being said, all mesothelioma cancer cases occurred due to asbestos exposure many years ago but that should not discourage us from making a difference for the future.
- Cigarette smoke: Whether first or second hand, exposure to cigarette smoke is the leading cause of lung cancer and has even been known to contribute to mesothelioma
- Radon: The second leading cause of lung cancer, radon a naturally occurring gas from rocks and dirt and can commonly be found in basements
- Silica: Like asbestos, silica is an industrial hazard known to cause lung cancer. Silica is a mineral found in rocks, sand, and other minerals
- Genetics: Sometimes, an individual’s own genetics make developing lung cancer more likely than any other environment factor. If your family has a history of lung cancer, getting tested early and often can help in the event of a diagnosis
What Can I Do to Help Raise Awareness About Lung Cancer
Social media is one of the most powerful tools we have today to get our message out and raise awareness about this important cause. Survivors, families, and activists are encouraged to share photos and videos of their stories on social media sites.
Additionally, there are any number of Lung Cancer Awareness events individuals can volunteer their time or money to help promote a great cause that truly touches the lives of thousands of people. Furthermore, advocates can take their message to the streets by distributing educational materials to the general public.
Fighting lung cancer is a difficult one but it is not something patients have to go through alone as long as there is a community of supporters behind them. Sometimes, having a support base can mean all the difference in the word for lung cancer patients as they go through treatment and recovery.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
Often times insurance is not enough to cover the staggering costs of medical treatments to fight mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancers caused by exposure to toxic asbestos. Fortunately, the law gives victims the right to file mesothelioma cancer and asbestos related lung cancer lawsuits against asbestos companies to recover for their medical bills, lost wages, and others damages.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma lawyers about your case.