Hi clonexx, 

I am so sorry to hear about your little one's diagnosis at such a young age. It is so deeply unfair when cancer affects a child and any parent would want to seek answers and understand what caused something like this to happen. Sadly often with cancer it isn't always easy to understand what caused it.

Asbestos is still a very common substance and most people are exposed to a very small amount of asbestos fibres in their lives and yet asbestos related diseases are rare. So if you can, try not to be overly worried. It is regular occupational exposure to asbestos over many years that is known to increase the risk of lung disease and cancer, often two or three decades later. It's worth bearing in mind that practically everyone is exposed to asbestos and that low levels are present in our environment as it can be found in air and soil and yet very few people become ill. 

According to the Health and Safety Executive, short term exposures with asbestos will most likely have led to minimal exposure to fibres and is very unlikely to have any long-term ill health effects. You can read more about this on the Health and Safety Executive asbestos FAQs.

If you would like to talk to one of our cancer nurses about this and share your fears and worries with them, you can call them on this free number 0808 800 4040 - the helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Don't hesitate also to bring your concerns up with your GP especially so that they can reassure you that your other little one is ok - what you need right now more than anything is total reassurance and definite answers and talking to a doctor will ensure that you do get all the facts so that you can hopefully put this fear behind you. 

I hope that your son is ok and coping well with the treatment for Non Hodgkin's lymphoma. It must be such a difficult time for you and your family but I wanted you to know that we are all here for you if you ever need to offload or chat to other families who have been affected by cancer at such a young age. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator