Study Finds Quitting Smoking Lowers Mortality Risk Even After Asbestos Exposure
Smoking has long been recognized as one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Asbestos exposure is another well-known cause—responsible for mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lungs, abdomen, and, in rare cases, other organs. While the prognosis for mesothelioma patients is often poor, new research shows encouraging news: people with asbestos-related diseases who stop smoking reduce their mortality risk, even after years of exposure.
How Asbestos Causes Lung Cancer
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring, toxic, fibrous minerals once widely used for insulation and fireproofing in construction. Homes and commercial buildings constructed before the 1970s frequently contained asbestos in:
- Insulation
- Roofing and siding
- Popcorn/textured ceilings
- Window caulking and glazing
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they embed themselves in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation, DNA damage, scarring, and ultimately cancer—most commonly mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer.
Each year, approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma. About 80% of cases are incurable, with an average life expectancy of 1–2 years after diagnosis.
Study Shows Clear Benefits to Quitting Smoking
Researchers examined how smoking interacts with asbestos exposure in the development and progression of lung cancer. As expected, asbestos exposure alone significantly increased cancer risk among non-smokers. But the most notable finding was the impact of quitting smoking.
The study revealed:
- Mortality rates for people exposed to asbestos who quit smoking dropped from 177 per 10,000 to 90 per 10,000
- Those who stopped smoking more than 30 years earlier had mortality rates similar to non-smokers
- Even after a diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer, quitting still provided meaningful health benefits
The study reinforces an important message: it is never too late to quit smoking, even after years of asbestos exposure or a cancer diagnosis.
If You or a Loved One Has Mesothelioma or Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer, We Can Help
If you believe you or someone you love developed lung cancer or mesothelioma due to long-term asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. For decades, many companies understood the dangers of asbestos but continued to use it anyway, putting workers and consumers at risk.
At Madeksho Law, our team has been helping asbestos-exposure victims for more than 50 years. We will fight for your rights and help you understand your medical and legal options.
Since 1972, Madeksho Law has recovered over $400 MILLION for families across the country.
Call 888-910-MESO (6376) or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
