Mesothelioma – what it is and how the National Asbestos Helpline can help

Posted: 20th May 14 1:41 PM

Mesothelioma – what it is and how the National Asbestos Helpline can help. The asbestos cancer mesothelioma received some welcome publicity when it was revealed that Emmerdale character, Donna Windsor ( played by Verity Rushworth), was diagnosed with the disease.

What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer which develops in the linings of the lung and, less commonly, the abdomen and is almost exclusively caused by inhaling asbestos dust and fibres. It takes many years to develop. Every year about 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma. People usually affected by asbestos related disease are those that have worked directly with asbestos in the past. However, as in the case of the Emmerdale character, people can be harmed by merely being in an asbestos polluted environment.

The storyline has shown that Donna Windsor developed mesothelioma by inhaling asbestos dust when a ceiling containing asbestos was taken down by her father when she was a child. Signs of the disease include shortness of breath, pain within the chest wall and unexplained weight loss.

Why call the National Asbestos Helpline ? So what can we do to help? Here at the National Asbestos Helpline we support those suffering from asbestos related diseases and their families by providing free advice and information relating to support services, civil compensation claims and benefit guidance. To find out more, call us on 0800 043 6635 to speak with one of our team.