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On World Cancer Day Take the Time to Learn About Mesothelioma

Thursday, February 4, 2010

by Nancy Meredith
The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) initiated the World Cancer Campaign in 2005 to raise awareness of cancer prevention, and has declared today, February 4, 2010, as a global World Cancer Day. Used to raise people’s awareness of cancer and how to prevent, detect or treat it, World Cancer Day is the perfect opportunity to take the time to learn about mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer typically affecting the lining of the lungs. Primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure. The latency period can be as long as 50 years. There is no known cure for the disease which kills almost 20,000 people across the globe each year.

Mesothelioma Causes and Statistics
A 2009 analysis by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health(NIOSH) found that the annual number of deaths of malignant mesothelioma is still increasing. The report found the number of U.S. deaths increased from 2,482 in 1999 to 2,705 in 2005, the most recent year of complete data.

It is in the handling of asbestos and the breathing of its dust and fibers that constitutes the primary risk-factor for developing an asbestos related disease, primarily affecting individuals in the workplace. NIOSH lists the following occupations as being associated with significantly elevated mesothelioma mortality rates: construction, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, mechanical engineers, electricians, and elementary school teachers.

Symptoms
Following are the most common symptoms associated with mesothelioma:

• Shortness of breath and/or chest pain
• Weight loss
• Cough
• Weakness
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Hoarseness and difficulty swallowing

Types of Mesothelioma and Treatment
Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs known as pleural mesothelioma, or the lining of the abdomen resulting in peritoneal mesothelioma. In rare instances, the lining of the heart can be affected resulting in pericardial mesothelioma.

Regardless of the type of mesothelioma, the treatment is often similar.The traditional therapies are: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The treatments are often used in concert creating a multimodal therapy. A mesothelioma patient may have either palliative surgery to treat symptoms or one that is considered radical surgery and performed with curative intent.

Chemotherapy and radiation are used to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors. Both of these treatments can be palliative as well.

Be a Mesothelioma Advocate
Learning about the causes, medical diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, and available research efforts can help support the fight against mesothelioma. Get educated and join the cause to develop a cure for mesothelioma.

Sources:

Occupational Respiratory Disease Surveillance
Mesothelioma Deaths Increasing

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Labels: Featured Story

posted by Nancy Meredith at 8:00 AM
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