Industrial disease cancers are thought to be a factor in the "timebomb" that will hit Scotland in the form of cancer rate rises of around 33% over the next 12 years, according to predictions.
Asbestos illnesses are a significant factor in accounting for rises in industrial diseases, with the incidence of mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer expected to peak either this year or during the current decade, depending on which predictions you look at.
Of course, occupational cancers are not the only reason for the rise in cancer rates; with the number of older people in Scotland growing, there is some sense of tragic inevitability that cancer rates will go up.
These figures are likely to come despite improvements in the detection rates for most cancers, including 'breast' and 'lung' forms of the disease, as well as advances in cancer treatment. However, with no successful treatment of mesothelioma on the horizon, sufferers of the industrial disease must still consider diagnosis to be a almost certain death sentence.
"More people are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before but more people are also surviving the disease," commented Macmillan Cancer Support's General Manager in Scotland, Janice Preston.
"It's vitally important a better system is put in place to make sure they get the right support to cope with the many long term physical, emotional, financial and practical problems cancer can leave behind."
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other form of occupational cancer it is vital that you have the right legal support to help provide for your practical, medical and family needs. Contact Thompsons Scotland personal injury lawyers today for help and information regarding the best ways for you to ensure your legal rights. click here for more information.