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10 February, 2010

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Cancer and asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral made up of tiny fibres. When disturbed, it forms a dust. The fibres can be breathed into the lungs where they remain for decades. Asbestos used to be a common building material, but now we know that long-term exposure to this mineral can cause illnesses like cancer.

Due to these health risks, asbestos is no longer mined, milled or manufactured in Australia. It is illegal to store, sell, install or re-use any products containing asbestos in Australia and no asbestos products may be imported. Asbestos products that are already in place are allowed. However, strict precautions govern the removal and disposal of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.

Risky industries
Almost everyone has been exposed to asbestos in small degrees, but some people are at greater risk than others. Long-term exposure to asbestos has occurred in occupations such as:

Asbestos mining
Asbestos manufacturing
Building demolition, if the buildings contain asbestos.

Lung cancer
Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers, but long-term exposure to asbestos is also a cause of lung cancer. People who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos have a very high risk of developing the disease.

There are two main types of lung cancer.

Small cell lung carcinoma – this has a strong relationship to cigarette smoking
Non-small cell lung carcinoma – which has three main forms.

The three forms of non-small cell lung carcinoma are:

Squamous cell carcinoma this starts in the large air passages, called bronchi.
Large cell carcinoma similar to squamous cell carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma the most common form of lung cancer. Incidence is increasing and may be related to changing patterns of smoking. This starts in glands found in the lining of the airways.

Mesothelioma
This is a rare but fast-spreading cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. It can take 30 or 40 years after exposure to develop. Mesothelioma usually starts in the membrane that wraps around the lungs, called the pleura. The cancer cells cause a build-up of fluid between the pleura and the lungs, which in turn causes pressure on the lungs. The symptoms are shortness of breath and a dry, painful cough. The cancer may eventually grow into the chest wall. Sometimes, the cancer can develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), the membranes of the heart or reproductive organs.

Diagnosing lung cancer or mesothelioma
There are a number of tests to check for lung cancer or mesothelioma, including:

X-rays either standard x-rays or CT scans, which give a three-dimensional picture of your chest.
Sputum cytology test an examination of your sputum (phlegm), since cancer cells are sometimes coughed up.
Biopsy a small sample of lung cells removed with special instruments, under local or general anaesthetic.
Other tests such as bone, liver or brain scans and blood tests, to see if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of your body.

Treatment
Treatment for lung cancer or mesothelioma may include:

Surgery to remove the tumours.
Radiotherapy the use of x-rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy anti-cancer drugs that kill cancer cells.

Other illnesses linked to asbestos
As well as cancer, some of the other asbestos-linked illnesses include:

Asbestosis scar tissue forms inside the lungs and makes breathing difficult.
Pleural plaque asbestos fibres can cause thickened patches of scar tissue on the pleura, or lung lining.

Legal action
A person who develops lung disease after exposure to asbestos may be entitled to seek compensation. Contact a solicitor for information.

Where to get help

Your doctor
Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia Tel. (02) 9637 8759
Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia Tel. 1800 646 690
Cancer Council Victoria, Cancer Council Helpline Tel. 13 11 20
Multilingual Cancer Information Line, Victoria – see the CCV website for contact details
Peter McCallum Cancer Centre Tel. (03) 9656 1111
WorkSafe Victoria Tel. (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089
Environment Protection Authority Victoria Tel. (03) 9695 2722
Department of Human Services, Environmental Health Unit Tel. 1300 761 874
Asbestos Victims Association SA Tel. (08) 8212 6008 or 1800 665 395 (SA country only)
Asbestos Diseases Society of Victoria – Information, Support and Counselling Service Tel. (03) 9329 9584 or 1300 659 226

Things to remember

Asbestos is a mineral that has been linked to many diseases, including lung cancer.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of fast-growing cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
Treatment for lung cancer or mesothelioma may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

You might also be interested in:
Asbestos and your health.
Asbestos in the home.
Cancer.
Cancer and food.
Cancer and heredity.
Cancer pain management.
Cancer treatments - chemotherapy.
Cancer treatments - radiotherapy.
Lung cancer.
Mesothelioma.

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