Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer, causing around 40,000 deaths a year in the UK. 90% of lung cancers are thought to be caused by cigarette smoking.

Whilst not all smokers develop lung cancer, the link between asbestos and lung cancer has been suspected since the 1930s and proven in the 1950s. Asbestos related cancers can occur anywhere in the lungs.

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

Although cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure can cause cancer separately, if someone has been a smoker and is 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 increase to 53.24% because they'd been exposed to asbestos.

If someone develops lung cancer, they might not bring a compensation claim on the basis that asbestos caused the cancer, but that it was caused by smoking, instead.

However, backed by medico-legal advice, there have been many successful claims for asbestos related lung cancer where the person has been exposed.

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

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