Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Sept. 26 marks National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. On this day, patients, family members, doctors, and the mesothelioma community raise awareness about this rare cancer in an effort to help find a cure.
Created in 2004 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) to educate the public and encourage funding for scientific research, Mesothelioma Awareness Day has grown in popularity and continues to inspire support for people with mesothelioma.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can affect the lungs, stomach, and heart. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a cancer-causing (carcinogenic) mineral often found in older buildings since asbestos was mostly banned in the United States in the 1980s.
Asbestos is often found in various building materials, including insulation, siding, roofing, and certain wall paints. Asbestos fibers can remain in a person's lungs for decades before developing into mesothelioma. In fact, this form of cancer often does not appear until 10 to 40 years after someone first inhales asbestos particles.
How common is mesothelioma?
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Such figures work out to roughly 1 case per 110,000 people nationwide.
Research shows that most people diagnosed with mesothelioma live for 4 to 18 months after their initial diagnosis, resulting in more than 3,000 yearly deaths nationwide. Specifically, the 5-year survival rate is 12 percent for pleural mesothelioma (which affects the lungs) and 65 percent for peritoneal mesothelioma (which affects the abdomen). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma.
What causes mesothelioma?
Again, the only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. This is why employers must take necessary precautions when removing asbestos or handling asbestos fibers, given the high risk of developing this form of cancer.
Ways you can get involved on Mesothelioma Awareness Day
There are many different ways people can show their support on Mesothelioma Awareness Day, such as:
- Wear blue clothing or an awareness wristband to unite with others.
- Donate to mesothelioma research and support groups.
- Get involved in online discussions on social media about asbestos.
- Sign up for a mesothelioma event such as "Miles for Meso," an annual run and walk held each year.
- Watch one of The Mesothelioma Center's educational webinars.
- Write or email your politicians about stricter asbestos laws and regulations.
For Mesothelioma Awareness Day in 2023, sharing your support on social media is an excellent way to raise awareness. On Sept. 26, use popular hashtags such as #MesotheliomaAwarenessDay.
There are many ways you can celebrate the work of healthcare providers and researchers and participate in the discussion about a global asbestos ban. Raising awareness means you're supporting the thousands of patients and families affected by asbestos-related diseases.
Learn more about how to participate here.
Our national mesothelioma lawyers are here to help
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer, it's important to understand your legal rights. At the Ferrell Law Group, our law firm has been standing up for the rights of asbestos victims nationwide for over 30 years.
To learn more about your potential legal options, contact us and schedule a free case consultation. Our law firm proudly serves clients nationwide. When you reach out to us, a member of our team can listen to the details of your case, answer your questions, and explain the different options available for asbestos compensation. There is no charge, just information you can trust. We are available to hear from you any time, day or night.