4. Asbestosis: The Precursor You Didn’t Know About
Before lung cancer even enters the picture, many people with long-term asbestos exposure develop a condition known as asbestosis. Now, asbestosis itself isn’t cancer, but it’s a big red flag. This is a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, which makes it more difficult to breathe as it progresses.
This condition often serves as a grim precursor to lung cancer. The scarring from asbestosis limits lung function and creates an environment where cancer cells can thrive. It’s like setting the stage for a tragedy; once the stage is set, the main act—lung cancer—is more likely to make its entrance.
Asbestosis is often a hidden condition. In its early stages, it might manifest as nothing more than a persistent cough or a feeling of tightness in the chest. It’s easy to dismiss these symptoms as nothing serious. But what’s really happening is a gradual buildup of internal scar tissue that’s hampering lung function. (4)
