A WOMAN who suffered from cancer strongly linked to asbestos died despite avoiding exposure to it, an inquest heard.

Janet Binding, of Durland Close, New Milton, died on November 4 after contracting mesothelioma, a lung cancer usually caused by asbestos exposure. The 72-year-old had no occupational or family links to the substance, her husband Peter told the Winchester inquest.

She was admitted to Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington on October 15, Dr Frank McGinn said in a statement and died on November 4.

Senior central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short said there have been cases of “spontaneous” contraction of the disease and recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.