November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and all Americans – most especially, those who work in professions where asbestos exposure occurs frequently – are encouraged to participate. The Lung Cancer Alliance, as well as the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other cancer-awareness organizations, have outlined a number of ways for Americans to get involved, ranging from fundraising to emailing members of Congress.
Lung-related cancers, including mesothelioma, are attributed to a number of causes. Smoking cigarettes, for example, is a “major risk factor” for lung cancer, according to the NCI. In addition, there are a number of other causes of lung-related cancer:
Asbestos exposure: previous exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring toxin found in a variety of construction materials, such as attic insulation, is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is not considered a form of lung cancer; however, mesothelioma occurs in the pleural lining of the lungs and is therefore considered to be a lung-related cancer. Mesothelioma is sometimes referred to as asbestos cancer.
Radon: a waste product of oil refineries and also found in mines, radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. Smokers who may also be exposed to radon face an outrageously high risk of developing cancer.
Benzene: a recognized carcinogen, benzene is not only found in cigarette smoke, but in car exhaust and is also released into the air by oil refineries. Benzene is known to cause tumors in the lungs.
Lead: another known carcinogen, lead exposure can cause tumors and other respiratory damage. Lead is released into the air by oil refineries as well.
In addition to the causes listed above, lung-related cancers can be caused by air pollution, second-hand exposure to cigarette smoke, and may also occur in individuals who have a family history of this disease. Of all lung-related cancers, mesothelioma is considered to be the rarest, yet it is arguably the most painful and tedious to treat. Mesothelioma does not have a cure.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center urges all Americans who may be at a heightened risk of developing lung-related cancers, including mesothelioma, to speak with their doctor this November and consider undergoing testing for mesothelioma cancer and other lung-related diseases.
For more information about mesothelioma cancer, please visit www.maacenter.org.
