MesotheliomaInfo2day - National Mesothelioma Awareness Day

The goals of National Mesothelioma Awareness Day are to educate people about mesothelioma – a deadly form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. If left untreated, mesothelioma is almost always deadly. Mesothelioma can remain dormant in a person’s lungs for as many as 40 years. Because of this, many people are unaware of the possible risks in later life caused by exposure to asbestos particles in their youth.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring material that was commonly used by product manufacturers in the early-to-mid 20^th century because of its fire-proof properties. It was used in products such as insulation, brake pads, and ceiling tiles. People who are at the greatest risk for developing mesothelioma today are those who worked with these products prior to the 1980s when researchers found that asbestos particles were responsible for mesothelioma disease.

When a person is exposed to asbestos, tiny particles can become lodged into the pleura of their lungs, which can cause tumors to develop as time passes. These tumors eventually turn into mesothelioma cancer. While mesothelioma cancer does not currently have a cure, it can be treated, allowing the afflicted individual a longer-than-normal lifespan than those who leave their mesothelioma untreated.

Individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are also, in many cases, eligible for compensation when a company is to blame for their condition. High-profile mesothelioma cases have been settled for millions of dollars to individuals who were diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of employer negligence. In fact, recent evidence suggests that many companies knew of the risks of asbestos well before they ceased using it. Protection from asbestos fibers is as easy as wearing a face mask that prevents the fibers from entering the lungs.

The Environmental Protection Agency claims that asbestos is one of the most dangerous substances that a person can be exposed to. Mesothelioma can result even when an individual is exposed to a small amount of asbestos fibers. The EPA also estimates that more than 20 million people alive today were exposed to asbestos at work in the years prior to government officials banning the use of the product.

The Mesothelioma Foundation hopes that a greater understanding and awareness of the disease will promote funding for research into cures and treatments. It is currently one of the lesser-known cancers with very few treatment options. In fact, radiation and chemotherapy are the only two treatments that are used with any regularity in mesothelioma patients. While treatment is possible, early detection is the key to overcoming this deadly disease. The Mesothelioma Foundation hopes that celebrating this annual National Mesothelioma Awareness Day will encourage more people to visit their doctor for a check up, as well as raise money and awareness to inspire advanced research into new treatments for the disease.