September 26 - National Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2019
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused by breathing in asbestos dust. Get involved in National Mesothelioma Awareness Day on 26 September 2019.
Dr. Ajay Jain
Sep 24, 2019
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Mesothelioma Awareness Day is observed every year on September 26 by the mesothelioma community to raise awareness for this aggressive and rare cancer. This year is the 15th anniversary of the mesothelioma awareness day, which was established in 2004 by the Meso Foundation to bring awareness to the disease and allow community members to come together.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, which is developed after inhalation of asbestos fibers. Over time, sometimes as long as 50 years, these fibers irritate the sensitive tissue lining internal organs, leading to scarring and tumors. Mesothelioma cancer occurs in four variations:
- Pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lungs and accounts for 80% of mesothelioma cases.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the abdominal cavity and accounting for about 20% of mesothelioma cases.
- Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart, called the pericardium and only occurs in 1% of mesothelioma patients.
- Testicular mesothelioma, an extremely rare variety that affects the lining of the testicles. Less than 100 cases have been reported, and the pathway from asbestos exposure to the testicles is unclear.
5 Risk factors for developing Mesothelioma
There are numerous risk factors coupled with asbestos and the development of mesothelioma cancer, which are outlined below.
1. High-Risk Occupations
2. Low-Risk Occupations
3. Secondary Exposure
4. Environmental Exposure
5. Modern Professions
Mesothelioma signs and symptoms
Recognizing and identifying the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma as early as possible can improve medical outcomes, possibly opening up treatment options for the patient.
Quick Facts to Share on Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Most of the individuals know little to almost nothing about mesothelioma cancer, what actually it is, how it is associated with asbestos, and the struggles people face with the disease. One of the most important things that an individual can do on mesothelioma awareness day, and on any day, is to inform others about asbestos and mesothelioma ailment. Here are some quick facts to get you started:
- Over 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the U.S. every year.
- The average age at the time of diagnosis is 69.
- The rate of mesothelioma in women is lower than in men.
- Most patients only develop symptoms of mesothelioma 20 or more years after being exposed to asbestos.
- Only about half of patients will live more than a year and a half after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- Seventy-five percent of mesothelioma diagnoses are in the chest cavity, called pleural mesothelioma.
- Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of occupational cancer.
- Navy veterans have some of the highest risk levels for developing mesothelioma because of the use of asbestos on ships.
- Asbestos is not banned in the U.S.
The Importance of Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Mesothelioma Awareness Day was established in 2004 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF), America’s only nonprofit dedicated to ending mesothelioma, with 3 objectives in mind:
- Educate the public about how to prevent mesothelioma
- Educate mesothelioma patients and their families about the treatment and support programs available
- Bring attention to the urgent need for more research into treatments that could save patients’ lives
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