After a five-year battle with mesothelioma cancer, 18-year-old Sophie Ellis passed away a little over a week ago. She was Britain’s youngest person to pass away from the asbestos-related disease.
Sophie was only 13 years old when she was first diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare age for mesothelioma patients. With a latency period typically ranging between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure, most patients are diagnosed around the age of 60.
Being exposed to asbestos as a young child can significantly influence the early development of mesothelioma cancer. Although there is no recollection as to how Sophie may have been exposed, it is assumed that asbestos was the culprit since the disease is almost exclusively caused by the toxic mineral.
The majority of mesothelioma patients are males who have previously worked in the shipyard, construction, manufacturing or automotive industry. Other occupations that present an increased risk of contracting mesothelioma include plumbers, electricians, roofers and painters.
While doctors told Sophie she only had months to live, she defied the average mesothelioma life expectancy of most patients by living another five years.
During her battle with the cancer, Sophie always spoke in support of the Mirror’s asbestos Timebomb campaign. She said, “The cancer has made me braver in a way. It was pretty tough being diagnosed at such a young age and the surgery was painful. I hope more can be done to understand this disease – that’s why I’m backing the Mirror’s campaign.”
In April earlier this year, the cancer spread to her spine and left her paralyzed from the neck down. Sophie left a video tape she made two years ago as a tribute to her life and ongoing battle with mesothelioma.
Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the mesothelioma Center.