Second Primary Cancers

Major health agencies recognize asbestos as a cause of lung cancer, laryngeal cancer and ovarian cancer, in addition to mesothelioma. Links to some other cancers, such as those of the pharynx, stomach and colon, have been studied with less consistent findings. A second cancer is a new, separate cancer rather than spread from the first. It needs its own diagnosis and treatment plan. Symptoms such as hoarseness, a new cough or pelvic changes should be reported rather than assumed to be part of mesothelioma.

Smoking and asbestos together raise lung cancer risk far more than either alone. If you smoke, stopping helps at any point, including after a mesothelioma diagnosis, because it supports healing and treatment tolerance. Your doctor can recommend medicines and programs that make quitting easier. Former smokers with asbestos exposure may qualify for lung cancer screening based on age and smoking history, even if they are being monitored for other reasons. Screening typically uses low-dose CT scans. Your doctor can explain the benefits, the chance of false alarms and how often screening would be repeated. People already having regular scans for mesothelioma may not need separate screening.

Primary care doctors, specialists and dentists may not ask about asbestos unless you mention it. Add it to your medical history forms and tell each new provider. This can prompt appropriate screening and a lower threshold for investigating symptoms. If you are diagnosed with a second asbestos-related cancer, keep separate records for it, since it may have its own treatment course and could be relevant to a separate claim. It can also help to keep a short written summary of your exposure history, including job sites and years, so you can hand it to new doctors rather than trying to recall details during a busy appointment.

1. 1

   Add asbestos exposure to the medical history form at every doctor's office.

2. 2

   Ask your doctor whether you qualify for lung cancer screening.

3. 3

   Report hoarseness, new cough or pelvic symptoms rather than assuming they are mesothelioma.

4. 4

   Ask your care team about programs to help you stop smoking.