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Common Questions

Do you have a question about asbestos-related disease and the issues surrounding it? Check out our FAQ below, and if you are unable to find the information you need, please contact us.

I may have come in contact with asbestos. How do I know if I have an asbestos-related disease?
Check our What is Mesothelioma? section to learn more about the symptoms of asbestosis, mesothelioma and related diseases. But if you suspect you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, contact your physician immediately. You may also want to contact a legal expert to understand what compensation you might be entitled to for your illness.

Who is most at risk to develop an asbestos-related disease?
People who deal directly with asbestos, such as in construction or manufacturing, are most immediately at risk, though by simply breathing in asbestos fibers, any individual could be at risk. Visit our What is Mesothelioma? section for the most common products that have been known to contain asbestos.

How long after being exposed to asbestos will I begin to develop symptoms?
Symptoms can develop as long as 30 years after an initial exposure to asbestos. That is why it's so important to visit your doctor immediately if you believe you have the symptoms of an asbestos-related disease.

Is there a cure for asbestos-related disease?
Currently, there is no known cure. Treatments are available, however, to help remove any cancer that may be present and to reduce the symptoms of asbestos-related disease.

I have just been diagnosed with mesothelioma and I would like to seek counseling. Are there support groups for mesothelioma patients?
There are a number of support groups, message boards and patient resources designed specifically to help mesothelioma and other cancer patients get through this very difficult time. Visit our Support Group page to find a support group near you, or check out our Patient Network page to meet other patients facing similar issues.

What is a clinical trial, and how will I know if I should participate in one?
Clinical trials are offered by a number of medical organizations which test and research potential new treatments. Depending on how far advanced an asbestos-related disease has become, traditional medicine may in some cases be less preferable to a patient than a clinical trial. Speak with your doctor to discuss whether participating in a clinical trial is right for you.

If you determine you would like to participate in a clinical trial, visit our Clinical Trials section in this site for a comprehensive list of current trials and their locations.

The content of this web site was developed as a service to asbestos cancer patients and their families. Web site content has not been prepared or endorsed by physicians or licensed medical professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice. Our staff are not physicians nor trained medical professionals and nothing they say should be taken as medical advice. The purpose of this site is to provide patients and their families with useful information and access to resources which may be helpful. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with an attorney for legal advice.