Occupational Cancers
There are various occupational related cancers that can develop after exposure to specific carcinogenic chemicals or substances in the workplace. Common occupational cancers include: cancer of the lungs, nasal passages, larynx, oesophagus, bladder and skin.
Cancer of the Lungs
Cancer of the lung has the highest rate of mortality across deaths caused by cancer in the UK. It is known that certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking can lead to lung cancer; however certain lung cancers can also be attributable to an individual’s exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and substances. Industries such as mining, pottery and metal works can led to exposure to Silica, lead and mineral oils, all lung carcinogenic substances.
Cancer of the Nasal Passages
Everybody knows that the woodworking industry is very dusty and can often result in respiratory conditions developing in later life. However, few know that this type of work can also lead to cancer of the naso-pharynx. Potential claims for employees in this industry can be based on this type of specific cancer rather than specifically for cancer of the lungs alone.
Laryngeal Cancer
Cancer of the larynx or ‘voice box’ can be a very debilitating cancer, often leading to the removal of a suffers’ voice box and resulting in the later use of voice simulation equipment. Scientific research has indicated that asbestos exposure may not be the only industrial precursor for this disease and that those who have been employed in the rubber industry or been exposed to the chemical sulphuric acid in their working environment may also be at risk from developing the condition.
Oesophageal Cancer
Cancer of the oesophagus is becoming increasingly common in the UK population and with new medical specialists discovering links between its prevalence and specific working industries new potential claims are emerging. Recent research has shown that those working in both the printing industry and gas, electricity and steam manufacturers may have had exposure to the carcinogenic substance, tetrachloroethylene, and developed subsequent oesophagus cancer.
Bladder Cancer
Cancer of the bladder has had a long established link to industrial exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace. Cases where exposure to mineral oils, diesel engine exhaust fumes and aromatic amines in metal industries, iron and steel based industries, rubber industries and plastic works has been shown have already shown successful results for claimants.
Cancer of the Skin
Many think that exposure to the sun is the only way people can get skin cancer. However, this is a common misconception and successful cases have pursued on behalf of claimants developing skin cancer from work-related exposure to carcinogenic elements.
A point every potential claimant must bear in mind is that occupational cancers can have a long latency period and exposure can have occurred years before you are actually diagnosed with cancer.
If you have been a smoker or regular drinker it does not necessary mean you do not have a claim; it may be that your lifestyle choice combined with your exposure may have increased your risk to developing an occupational cancer and that your could still have a valid claim.
If you think that your cancer may have been caused by occupational exposure to carcinogenic substances you should contact us without delay.
We have an experienced team of lawyers ready to advise free of charge if you have a potential compensation claim against a current or former employer and to assist you step by step in any potential claim.
We may even be able to assist you with medical investigations and advice in relation to potential state benefits in relation to your cancer diagnosis.
Our team not only have a wealth of experience in occupational cancer cases; but we are also equipped with the sensitivity need for these specialist claims and have the facilities to meet clients face to face out of office hours.
You may only have a limited time to make your claim, so do not delay any further in contacting one of our specialist solicitors today.