Mesothelioma cancer information, More about Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs or pleura. The main cause for the occurrence of mesothelioma in the US is previous exposure to asbestos fibers.

During the industrialization in America, asbestos was increasingly used because of its fire retardant and durability characteristics. Between the years 1940 and 1979, an estimated 27 million workers in the United States were exposed to asbestos fibers. Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry. There are various types of mesothelioma such as Pleural Mesothelioma, and Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers, if inhaled, can lead to serious lung illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma. In case, a person is suffering from Mesothelioma, he or she has to take immediate effective medical care to be fit and healthy.

Early screening for mesothelioma will not allow the disease to grow. Regular check up and thorough diagnosis of patients, can help in curing the disease. Mesothelioma leads to certain treatments and easy diagnosis such as multi-modeal treatment, surgery, radiation therapy, drug therapy, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, including gene therapy. The high of mesothelioma was prominently influenced by exposure to amphibole asbestos, which reached its peak in the 1960s and in the later stages. A person who is exposed to asbestos has every chance to catch this dangerous disease. Mesothelioma can also be triggered by other substances such as irradiation, erionite and thorium dioxide. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include weight loss, chest pain, diarrhea, constipation, cough, and difficulty in breathing.

Mesothelioma Is The Largest Man Made Epidemic

It is documented that Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950’s until the 1970’s. As a tragic consequence, Australia now has the highest per capita incidence of mesothelioma in the world. With more than 500 Australians contracting mesothelioma per year, it is estimated that up to 18,000 Australians will die from this asbestos related cancer by the year 2020.

Despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos, there are many people who have not heard of Mesothelioma. This asbestos related cancer is defined as: a malignant spreading tumor of the mesothelium of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising form the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

One of the most baffling and frightening known facts concerning Mesothelioma is that many years may pass, between inhalation of asbestos dust and its deadly legacy of disease; it is not uncommon for four decades or more to pass before symptoms due to asbestos dust inhalation become apparent.

In November 2004, I was an invited speaker at the Global Asbestos Congress 2004, held in Tokyo Japan. Over 800 participants from 40 countries around the world were in attendance. To be a part of such a large gathering of fellow humans, united in a quest to rid the poison of asbestos from our environments was an intensely moving experience. Having lost my husband to mesothelioma I know first hand the suffering this cruel disease places on its innocent victims.

There were many speakers and each told a tale, of pain, death and heartache. We listened, we understood and we ached for the past, present and future victims of the killer asbestos and its legacy of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. We listened and we were shocked and angered to learn that despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos and the increasing incidence of asbestos related disease, there remains some countries who are mining asbestos with little or no regard for their workers or people who will come into contact with asbestos products.

Asbestos disease Association member’s world wide are working tirelessly and fighting almost insurmountable odds to ban asbestos from all countries of the world. It is a sobering and frightening fact, that even if we were successful today in this quest, the legacy of asbestos related diseases will continue for five decades.

Add your voice to the many who want this killer product erased from the worlds environments – Add your voice to the call that pleads for adequate compensation for victims and their families. Sign the online petition at Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization:

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) continues to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the incurable and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is quickly expanding and uniting veterans, fire-fighters, shipbuilders, teachers and thousands of other innocent people around the world. Asbestos Awareness leads to education, prevention, new treatments and ultimately a cure.
http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

Article written by: Lorraine Kember – Author of “Lean on Me” Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes. Lorraine’s book is written from her experience of caring for her dying husband-an asbestos victim - in the hope of helping others. It includes insight and discussion on: Anticipatory Grief, Understanding and identifying pain, Pain Management and Symptom Control, Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, Quality of Life and Dying at home. It also features excerpts and poems from her personal diary. Highly recommended by the Cancer Council. “Lean on Me” is not available in bookstores - For detailed information, Doctor’s recommendations, Reviews, Book Excerpts and Ordering Facility - visit her website http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com

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