Of course, not all smokers develop lung cancer, and it's recognised that whether someone develops cancer can be due to a number of factors, such as genetic makeup, their immune system, ageing etc.

However, the link between asbestos and lung cancer has been suspected since the 1930's and proven in the 1950's. Asbestos-related cancers can occur anywhere in the lungs.

Unlike mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer which it is believed can be contracted just by breathing in one asbestos fibre, it's generally considered that a person will have to have a relatively heavy asbestos exposure to develop lung cancer.

Although cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure can cause cancer separately, if someone has been a smoker and exposed to asbestos, the risk of developing lung cancer increases dramatically.

For example, in one study a smoker who had a 10.85% risk of contracting lung cancer, had that risk increased to 53.24% because they'd been exposed to asbestos.

If someone is unfortunate enough to develop lung cancer they may not bring a claim on the basis that it has been caused by asbestos, putting the cause down to smoking, instead.

However, there have been many successful claims for asbestos related lung cancer where the person has been exposed, with expert medical and legal advice.

If you're concerned about the health of your lungs, you should get advice from your GP.

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