In an effort to raise awareness about asbestos and its potential dangers, Emily-Jane Scandrett, a 41-year-old mother from Tamworth, is sharing her story of being diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Despite undergoing numerous tests, her condition went undetected for over a year, including throughout her pregnancy.

Pleural mesothelioma is typically found in men over the age of 75, making Emily-Jane's case even more rare. Unsure of when or where she had come into contact with the asbestos fibers, commonly found in buildings predating 2000, she is urging medical professionals and potential sufferers to be more aware of the symptoms.

Emily-Jane first experienced excruciating chest pain during the fifth week of her second pregnancy in May 2022. Describing the pain as paralyzing, she felt as though she was being stabbed in her rib cage, with the discomfort radiating up to her chest, shoulder, and right arm. Despite being admitted to the hospital four times, scans and blood tests failed to detect the severity of her situation, leaving her unaware of the cancer growing within her.

It wasn't until nine months after the birth of her son, on 31 October last year, that Emily-Jane received the devastating news that her cancer was incurable. With no cure available, she has undergone six cycles of immunotherapy to manage the symptoms of her condition.

Reflecting on her diagnosis, Emily-Jane admitted to having heard of asbestos before but never thought much about its dangers. She believes that more awareness needs to be raised among the general public and healthcare professionals regarding the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is the leading cause of work-related deaths in the UK, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The material was widely used for insulation in the construction of schools and public buildings before being banned in 1999 due to health concerns. Shockingly, an estimated 87,000 public buildings in the UK still contain this hazardous substance, as reported by legal firm Irwin Mitchell.

The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) highlighted the magnitude of the issue, stating that it would take over 400 years to remove asbestos from every school in the country under the current government's rebuilding program.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, dry cough, and chest pain. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can embed in the pleura, the lining of the lung, causing inflammation and scarring over time, leading to the development of mesothelioma tumors.

In an effort to support two charities, Mesothelioma UK and Asbestos Support Central England, Emily-Jane and her husband recently participated in a walking marathon across Worcestershire to raise funds. She emphasized the need for more action to eradicate asbestos from buildings, stating that the current rebuilding program in England is unacceptable, as it would take over 400 years to remove all asbestos from schools and hospitals.

Emily-Jane's story serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden dangers of asbestos exposure and the importance of early detection and awareness.