The risk of asbestos related disease grows with the amount of fibers inhaled and by the amount of time exposed. It is usually decades later that symptoms are discovered. If you have been exposed to asbestos fibers for an extended period of time, it is wise to be seen by a professional for preliminary testing. The earlier you or your loved one is diagnosed, the better the chances are that they can be treated. Advanced stages of Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Asbestosis are virtually untreatable. In this instance, quality of life is usually the treatment your physician would focus on, rather than aggressive surgery or other treatment.
There are several resources for families coping with and sharing their stories about their battle with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer related to asbestos exposure. Here is one that is worth a look: Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation