Mesothelioma is an awful and aggressive form of cancer. Mesothelioma affects the smooth linings of the chest, heart, and lungs and effects between 2,500 and 3,000 Americans annually. Due to difficulty in early detection (mesothelioma symptoms can often be attributed to other conditions), this awful disease is often diagnosed too late for any treatment other than palliative care.
Although the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma has been known since the beginning of the 20th century, many such revelations were concealed by the government at the request of the asbestos industry. In the post -World War II housing boom, asbestos was key product in providing housing materials and thus millions of people became “at-risk” for developing mesothelioma.
Today one of the most prominent “at-risk” populations for mesothelioma are the 9/11 rescue workers who sifted through the rubble of the Twin Towers searching for survivors and removing debris. Of the 12,000 police officers and first responders, 297 developed cancer, and 56 perished from mesothelioma or other forms of cancer related to the inhalation of the contaminated air at the site.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a non-profit organization “dedicated to eradicating the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma.” As you can see in this chart Mesothelioma is severely underfunded comparing to other forms of cancer. Please go to http://www.curemeso.org/ learn about mesothelioma, find volunteering opportunities, and donate to this wonderful organization in search of a cure.
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