Inside Cancer

Most people have probably heard of asbestos and the fact that people who have been exposed to it may go on to develop illnesses. Although the use of asbestos has been banned now in the European Union, people have still contracted diseases from when it was used in the past.

One of these illnesses is mesothelioma which is a rare form of cancer which affects the lining of the lung, lining of the abdominal cavity or lining around the heart. This is caused by the exposure to asbestos which was around quite a lot in certain areas before it was banned. It could have been contracted in a number of ways from simply breathing it in to picking it up second hand from other people's clothing, hair or skin.

People who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma are those who have worked directly with asbestos or asbestos products in the past. However, it has been known that even people who have had limited exposure to it have contracted it due to contamination from friends or family who have been around it.

There are particular trades who are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. For this reason if you worked in any of the following professions when asbestos was still being used it could be an idea to go to the doctor for tests. Metal plate workers including shipbuilding, vehicle body builders including rail vehicles, plumbers, gas fitters, carpenters, electricians and construction workers are just some of the trades where individuals may have been affected.

Other trades that are at high risk from developing mesothelioma are plasterers, builders, handymen, steel erectors, painters, sheet metal workers and welders. The reason why people who worked in these jobs are at a higher risk than others is because of the products that contain asbestos. For example, it was present in Bitumen roofing material and therefore anyone working with it would have been exposed to it.

There are symptoms that you can look out for with mesothelioma. Generally shortness of breath, chest pain, a persistent cough and pain in the shoulder blade or lower back are common symptoms. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain and swelling, nausea and vomiting, bowel obstruction and weight loss.

However, there are various other illnesses linked to these symptoms to it does not necessarily mean that you have mesothelioma. If you have any questions or worries the best thing to do is get evaluated by a qualified physician.