This year, September 26th marks the 10th annual Mesothelioma
Awareness Day.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day was created to promote awareness
about this rare and deadly disease. Unfortunately, it’s a disease that lacks
widespread awareness. In honor of the 10th annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day,
we want to publish 10 key facts about the disease that can be shared with your
family and friends to help educate loved ones about this preventable disease.
1. A definition of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is
a rare cancer that affects mesothelium cells. The mesothelium is the protective
lining that protects internal organs in the chest, abdominal, and cardiac
cavity.
2. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is
a naturally-occurring mineral that becomes dangerous when it is broken and
fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are airborne, they are
microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, so a person isn’t aware they are
ingesting them.
3. No amount of exposure is safe.
No matter what your exposure level is, asbestos is a harmful
substance that could have adverse effects on your health later in life.
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease if you minimize any exposure to this
terrible toxin.
4. Mesothelioma has a long latency period.
The average length of latency between exposure and diagnosis
is between 35 and 40 years. Mesothelioma has the longest latency period of any
asbestos-related diseases.
5. Asbestos was used in thousands of products.
Asbestos has been knowingly used in over 3,000 consumer
products including building materials and household products. Some of these
products could still be lurking in the structure or the inside of your home.
6. Asbestos can still be found in buildings and products today.
If your home was built before the 1970s, there is a great
chance there are asbestos-containing products throughout your home. Asbestos
can also be found in many public buildings, like schools built prior to the
1970s for example.
7. Asbestos is naturally occurring.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is mined for use. While
asbestos is generally produced through geological processes underground,
naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) has also been recently discovered in areas
around the country bringing to light the fact that some people may be exposed
unwittingly.
8. United States veterans have a high risk of exposure.
While anyone can be diagnosed through direct or secondhand
exposure with asbestos, the United States military is
one of the most at-risk groups to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Many veterans
and shipyard workers were exposed through several areas: ships, shipyards,
barracks, and while serving in other countries to name a few.
9. Mesothelioma is a global issue.
While asbestos use is limited in the United States, many
countries do not regulate its use. Mesothelioma will continue to be a global
health concern until asbestos is no longer used worldwide.
10. There is hope for mesothelioma warriors.
While mesothelioma typically has a dire prognosis,
researchers and doctors are coming up with increasingly sophisticated ways to
diagnose and treat this disease. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with
mesothelioma, be sure to search for a specialist and connect with other
mesothelioma survivors for support.
There are many ways you can help spread awareness for
mesothelioma: share this post with family and friends, participate in an event
to benefit mesothelioma research, and share mesothelioma warrior Heather
Von St. James message to “Be a Voice
for the Victims.”
Thanks for the sources that have provided this very useful insight.
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