In 2021, the CDC found that the asbestos disease mesothelioma had risen in women in the past two decades, and was both under-reported and under-addressed.

Lung cancer, a (now) notoriously relentless killer, accounts for nearly 25% of all cancer deaths worldwide; its insidious nature often conceals symptoms until it reaches advanced stages, making it particularly challenging to treat and thus, tragically, reducing the chances of survival. 

In this heartening tale, we explore the story of Laura Baker, a lung cancer survivor from French Village, Missouri, whose journey underscores the devastating link between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, as well as the hope that lies beyond it, as offered by clinical trials and compensation options.

A Silent Threat

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once hailed for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, is now infamous for its detrimental health effects; prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to severe health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and a rare, aggressive form of cancer called mesothelioma. Despite its ban in many countries due to its hazardous nature, asbestos-related diseases continue to surface, with their effects often remaining latent for many years; typically decades.

The Connection Between Asbestos and Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a formidable adversary on its own, but when combined with asbestos exposure, the risk is significantly amplified. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can embed themselves deep within the lungs, causing inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage to lung cells; over time, this damage may culminate in the development of lung cancer.

The Deadly Synergy of Asbestos and Cigarette Smoke

To compound matters further, the danger of asbestos exposure multiplies when coupled with smoking. Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens that, when inhaled alongside asbestos fibers, create a lethal synergy – smoking alters the way in which our immune system reacts to asbestos, leading to more scar tissue forming than might otherwise have been the case. 

As if these two toxic compounds didn’t pack enough of an ugly punch individually, in combination, the likelihood of developing lung cancer dramatically increases; also important to note is that, even if an individual was only previously a smoker, asbestos exposure can significantly contribute to their risk of developing this deadly disease.

On the brighter side, studies have also found that quitting smoking does significantly reduce the overall risk, and that after ten years of cessation from smoking, the rates of lung cancer return to the same levels as people who have nevers smoked.

Laura Baker’s Journey

Laura Baker’s life took an unexpected twist when she was diagnosed with pneumonia a decade ago. What seemed like a routine illness revealed a shocking revelation: her lungs were already compromised, with extensive asbestos-related damage present. This startling diagnosis made her wonder if her summers in Libby, Montana – a town marked by a devastating asbestos environmental disaster – had contributed to her health issues.

Fast forward to December 2019, and Baker faced another health crisis – pneumonia once again. This time, a CT scan exposed a mass in her lung, roughly the size of a lemon, and a subsequent biopsy confirmed stage 3 lung cancer, setting her on an immeasurably challenging journey.

Under Dr. Bryan Faller’s guidance, Baker underwent a comprehensive treatment plan, including chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy; while a diagnosis of stage 3 lung cancer offers up some hope of a cure, the odds are desperately daunting.

Choosing the Cancer Center at Parkland Health Center was a practical decision for Baker, given its proximity to her home and the compassionate care on offer; over a 16 month treatment period, she formed a strong bond with the staff who supported her, which she valued enormously.

In January 2022, Baker received the disheartening news that her cancer had progressed to stage 4. Awe-inspiringly undeterred, she joined a clinical trial backed by the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer MoonshotÔ program; this groundbreaking initiative aimed to tailor treatments to each patient’s cancer based on its genetic makeup.

Baker also enrolled in the NCI’s Lung-MAP (Lung Cancer Master Protocol) Clinical Trial, which focused on advanced non-small cell lung cancer resistant to initial treatment. Given that this trial allowed for multiple drugs to be tested simultaneously, the chances of finding the most effective treatment were considerably increased.

Remarkably, Baker’s Lung-MAP treatment showed early signs of success, with her lymph nodes starting to return to normal; in fact, after just three rounds of treatment, incredibly, her cancer was in remission. 

Clinical Trials and Compensation

Clinical trials represent a beacon of hope for patients; in Baker’s case, participation in a trial supported by the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer MoonshotÔ program offered the promise of personalized treatment based on the genetic characteristics of her cancer. The Lung-MAP (Lung Cancer Master Protocol) Clinical Trial, which explores drugs targeting genetic changes in non-small cell lung cancer, provided a unique opportunity for Baker and others.

A Future Beyond Lung Cancer

For those who have been affected by asbestos exposure, there is often compensation available through asbestos trusts, which can provide financial support without the need for a lawsuit. This support is available even to individuals who were previous smokers, recognizing the compounding risks associated with asbestos exposure and smoking.

Laura Baker’s journey is a testament to the power of medical research and the potential for breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Despite her terrifying stage 4 diagnosis, she continues to fight her battle, fueled by continued hope and resilience, thanks in large part to the pioneering efforts of healthcare professionals and cutting-edge clinical trials.