Treatment of Asbestos Disease

Treatment attempts to relieve symptoms and prevent complications and may include daily exercise, limits on activity, dietary modifications, drug and oxygen therapy and chest physiotherapy as well as other measures.

It is often stated that there is no cure for asbestos disease however there are various types of disease that result from asbestos exposure.  Some conditions such as lung cancer can be cured.  The treatment of mesothelioma has improved and various drugs are being trialed to try to halt the progress of mesothelioma.  For other conditions such as asbestosis the consequences of the scarring of the lung - such as chest infections, difficulty with breathing, mucus build-up – may be treated.

It is essential that anyone diagnosed with an asbestos disease seeks appropriate professional medical assistance.  The starting point is usually the person's general practitioner and then possibly specialists advice can be sought.  If you need to find a general practitioner you can feel comfortable with to discuss your concerns about your condition or any other health issues, try asking family and friends if they can recommend someone in your local area.  The Society has numerous contacts of occupational therapists, respiratory specialists, psychiatrists, psychologists and other specialists who are experienced in treating people with asbestos disease.  Please contact the Society on 1800 776 412 if you would like these details.

For asbestos disease and mesothelioma as an example, there is not one treatment that is best for everyone.  Some persons with mesothelioma undertake an alternative treatment regime and others undertake a more traditional regime.  Again a person with asbestos disease should be guided by appropriate professionals. 

Compensation for Asbestos Disease

Those with asbestos disease are often entitled to compensation.  Generally speaking, compensation entitlements can be obtained in a stress-free way.  Compensation entitlements can usually be obtained depending upon the nature of the asbestos disease, where the exposure occurred (the State or country) and whether the exposure to asbestos occurred during employment, self-employment or in a domestic situation such as home renovations or washing asbestos-laden clothes.  Compensation entitlements may also be obtained for those who served in the Armed Forces diagnosed with an asbestos disease.

The State of Australia and overseas jurisdictions all have different compensation schemes.

It is important that anyone who is diagnosed with an asbestos disease seek advice about compensation entitlements as soon as possible after diagnosis as strict time limits for lodging claims can apply.  There should therefore be no delay in seeking advice about compensation entitlements.

For advice about compensation entitlements contact the Society on 1800 776 412.  The Society will be able to put you in contact with an experienced asbestos compensation practitioner as specialist advice, as in all aspects of asbestos disease, is essential.