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What is Asbestos Lung Cancer?

Asbestos is a mineral that was once used very highly in various industries. Manufacturers appreciated the flexibility, strength, and insulation that asbestos offered. Therefore, thousands of various products were made with the substance. Schools were built and firefighter suits were made with asbestos, because the material was fireproof. Plastics and paper products contained the substance, because it was both strong and flexible. Even industrial products like cement pipe contained the asbestos mineral. Little did manufacturers of the time know, asbestos would lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos lung cancer in thousands upon thousands of individuals. Asbestos leads to several illnesses. One of the most common is asbestos lung cancer. Most people automatically assume that lung cancer occurs only in smokers. Unfortunately, asbestos lung cancer occurs in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos. Those with prolonged exposure to the substance are at the highest risk for asbestos lung cancer. Typically, individuals who constantly worked with products containing asbestos fall into this category. However, asbestos is a mineral that when crushed turns into air-borne particles. Asbestos workers could easily transmit the particles to family members by going home in work clothes. Family members, friends, and associates are also at risk for asbestos lung cancer. The use of asbestos was banned in the United States during the 1970's, because the dangers of the substance were discovered. However, thousands of individuals still suffer from asbestos lung cancer. If caught early enough, asbestos lung cancer can be cured with chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or intraoperative photodynamic therapy.