Famous Hollywood actor suffered with mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a virulent, aggressive, usually fatal form of malignant cancer most commonly affecting the lungs. It is indicatively related to asbestos exposure.
Cancer is no respecter of fame or fortune and many icons of the arts have succumbed to its debilitating aggression over the years.
Over a quarter of a century has passed since Steve McQueen, famous film actor of the 60's and 70's, passed away as a result of highly metastasized peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer spread through the stomach).
As a young man McQueen had worked in the construction industry, where asbestos use was rife at that time. When he served as a US Marine, he was involved in shipyard work; often stripping asbestos off pipes located in naval ships.
McQueen was an enthusiastic motor racing fan and wholeheartedly took part in the sport; racing and working on cars was one of his favourite pastimes. Asbestos had been used extensively in brake linings, protective helmets and racing suits of the time and any one of these items, or his former employment positions, could have exposed him to enough dangerous fibres to precipitate the onset of mesothelioma.
McQueen, famed for appearances in classic films such as The Great Escape, Papillon and Bullitt, developed a chronic cough in 1978 that acutely affected his ability to undertake the action roles he was famed for. In 1979 he was diagnosed with lung cancer in the form of mesothelioma and received radiation therapy as an attempt to reduce the cancer.
McQueen also underwent controversial alternative therapies in Rosarita Beach, Mexico where he commenced a regime developed by an orthodontist, Dr W.D.Kelley, who had himself suffered pancreatic cancer.
The treatment involved the administering of injections made from animal foetuses, laetrile treatment (a drug made from apricot pits), ingestion of copious daily vitamins, coffee enemas, massage therapy and spiritual sessions.
Despite feeling that his condition had much improved and going on record with a public thank you for the treatment in October 1980, McQueen finally yielded to the disease in November 1980 after undergoing extensive surgery to remove the cancerous masses from his neck and abdomen. Though he survived the surgery, he succumbed to a fatal heart attack the following day.
Mesothelioma compensation claims and YouClaim
Here at YouClaim we deal with sufferers of mesothelioma regularly and we understand how distressing this disease can be. Our friendly and knowledgeable advisors are waiting to talk to you about your mesothelioma compensation claim on 0800 10 757 95.
Our dedicated personal injury solicitors have years of experience in dealing with the complex issues surrounding asbestosis claims. We have already helped many people get 100% compensation from their mesothelioma claim and, as we operate on a strictly no win no fee basis; you can be sure you will never be charged for their professional litigation services.
Call our helpline now or you can request a more convenient time when we can call you back. Alternatively, fill in the online claim form and we will look into your mesothelioma compensation claim before we call you to discuss it further. Above all, at YouClaim we are here to help.
