News reports in the Sheffield Star this week (www.thestar.co.uk) confirmed that two thousand hospital patients are to be studied for possible links between cancer-causing chemicals and South Yorkshire's steel industry.
The study at The University of Sheffield will reportedly focus on bladder cancer - a disease caused primarily by smoking and also exposure to workplace chemicals.
A group of 2,000 patients treated for the illness at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital will be surveyed for their occupational histories.
The Star claims that although links between industry and bladder cancer were established in Victorian times, researchers fear metal industries could be using chemicals in a less controlled way, or chemicals not yet known to cause cancer.
Scientists hope to identify people at high risk of developing cancer so the disease can be caught early or prevented, and develop treatments that could minimise the toxicity of chemicals.
A partner in the occupational illnesses team at Wake Smith said: "The findings of this study could lead to compensation payouts for hundreds of victims in the region. This could be essential to help fund care for victims and their families.
"Anyone who is concerned about an illness they suspect may have been contracted or worsened by conditions at work is urged to consult their doctor. Give some thought to previous working conditions when speaking to your doctor; ensure you provide as much information on working history as possible - particularly exposure to any chemicals.
"Please contact any member of the team here at Wake Smith on 0114 266 6660 for further information and legal advice."
