Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a deadly carcinogen. Individuals were typically exposed to asbestos at their work-sites, either through touch or by inhaling the asbestos fibers in the air. Although the use of asbestos has been restricted, the residual effects of asbestos, such as mesothelioma, are still being regularly seen today.
Mesothelioma is no joke, and for thousands of men employed in construction, power plants, and other industrial areas mesothelioma it may become their reality. Even those who served in the Navy have the potential to acquire mesothelioma.
If you believe that you may have been exposed to asbestos on the job, the most important thing you can do for yourself is be proactive. Don’t wait until you start to exhibit symptoms. Start safeguarding yourself against mesothelioma immediately. Seeking guidance from mesothelioma lawyers can provide valuable legal advice and assistance in pursuing compensation for asbestos exposure-related illnesses, ensuring your rights are protected and your future needs are addressed.
Schedule Regular Visits With Your Doc
If you have a primary care physician who is already used to seeing you, be sure to schedule and attend regular visits after you think you have been exposed. Because your doctor is used to seeing you, he or she will be able to note any peculiarities that may occur during your visits. Your physician will also be able to compare your more recent records to your older records to make a more accurate assessment of any symptoms that you may be experiencing.
Seek Out a Specialist
If you think you have mesothelioma, immediately seek out a specialist well-versed in asbestos-related diseases. This professional will be knowledgeable about the earliest stages of mesothelioma, and will be able to effectively determine if your symptoms are asbestos-related or are those of another disease or illness.
If you don’t have an asbestos-related disease specialist in your area, look for a thoracic oncologist which are typically more common. These professionals specialize in cancers of the chest, and should be able to provide adequate care should a mesothelioma specialist not be in your area.
Educate Yourself
Asbestos-related diseases don’t just develop overnight. In fact, most occur several decades after exposure. To better manage your health, learn to identify symptoms of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Knowing symptoms will help you know when to seek adequate healthcare, and will help you better determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are mesothelioma related or related to another common disease.
Remain Diligent
Because asbestos-related diseases have a longer incubation period, those who have been exposed to asbestos need to always remain conscious of their health. That doesn’t mean you need to live in fear or become a hypochondriac. It simply means that you need to be proactive. If you notice reoccurring chest pains or have a cough that becomes persistent, make note of it and then schedule a visit with your doctor as it could be early signs of an asbestos-related disease.
Get Regular Vaccinations
Getting regular vaccinations is important for those who have confirmed their exposure to asbestos. Because asbestos-related diseases often affect the lungs, getting vaccines can help reduce the likelihood of respiratory infections and other infections that may further compromise your health.
Quit Smoking
Exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer and an array of lung related diseases. If you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s best that you quit smoking immediately. Smoking itself is known to cause a plethora of health problems, and smoking after exposure to asbestos will most likely only complicate your current health risks. So do yourself a favor and quit now – even if it hasn’t been confirmed that you have mesothelioma.
Eat Healthy
While this might seem like a menial task, eating healthy is key when you wish to maintain optimal health. Eating cancer-fighting foods can keep you immune system strong, and make it easier for you to undergo treatment and/ or resist cancer altogether.
Find a Lawyer
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, consider contacting a lawyer. Many lawyers represent individuals who have held an occupation with asbestos risks. These lawyers are able to get mesothelioma sufferers the money they need to afford proper healthcare, to make life easier during treatment, and to provide additional benefits to family members.
Don’t be caught without the right education, support, and medical care if you have been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma can emerge long after exposure, and you need to be prepared if and when it arrives.
