Mesothelioma and Asbestos Blog

With the recent announcement from the EPA that more than 20 million workers in America have been exposed to asbestos particles, September 26 has been named as National Meso Awareness Day. The Meso Foundation chose to set aside a day to help raise awareness for the problems, symptoms and need for research into mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is one of the lesser-known forms of cancer, it affects people daily and is taking lives yearly.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma occurs when the cells in the tissue lining of an individuals lungs, heart, stomach and other organ, known as the “mesothelium�, develop cancer. Mesothelioma is often a very painful form of cancer because as the cells begin to grow, they can crush an individual’s lungs. A person suffering from mesothelioma can then become suffocated, making breathing hard, and the heart and other organs can begin to be crushed as the cancer grows. Unfortunately, in typical cases, those diagnosed with mesothelioma can die within four to 14 months.

What Causes Mesothelioma and Who Is At Risk?

Meso is caused by an individual’s exposure to asbestos and can take up to 50 years to develop.

Those who are most at risk for developing this form of cancer are those who have worked with and around:
·    Household products
·    Shipyards
·    Appliances
·    Construction
·    Individuals in the Navy

Raising Awareness

Funding for mesothelioma is often set back on the list compared to other forms of cancer.

For this reason, The Meso Foundation hopes that by raising awareness about meso, Americans will be more cautious and knowledgeable about the disease and asbestos exposure.

As most know, the main risk factor for developing the deadly illness, mesothelioma, is exposure to asbestos. In 1989, most company’s stopped using the hazardous material in their products, however, up to eight million Americans have already been victims of asbestos exposure.

Exposure to Asbestos

According to a recent report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 733,000 schools and public buildings in America contain asbestos insulation.

The removal of this asbestos will reportedly be far more detrimental than if the insulation is kept where it is.

Researchers claim that asbestos particles suspended in the air are safer than when they are being removed from buildings.

Types of Asbestos

Serpentine and amphiboles are the two main forms of asbestos that currently contaminate the buildings in the United States.

Serpentine Fibers- This form of asbestos is curly and pliable. It is the most widely used form of asbestos
Amphiboles- Amphiboles are thin fibers and are considered to be the most carcinogenic.

Asbestos Risks

Depending upon how much asbestos an individual is exposed to and the length of exposure time, the risks for developing mesothelioma will vary.

Other risks associated with developing mesothelioma include:
· Tobacco- Smoking while being exposed to asbestos could greatly increase the risk of lung cancer
· SV40 Virus- Recent studies show that the infection simian virus 40 (SV40) may increase the risk for developing mesothelioma

Who’s At Risk?

There are certain professions that put some at a higher risk then others for developing mesothelioma. Those most at risk for asbestos exposure are:
· Miners
· Factory workers
· Insulation manufacturers
· Railroad workers
· Ship builders

For those who have mesothelioma, a feeling of fatigue is common while receiving treatment. The tired feeling that patients feel is often different from the typical tried feeling of a healthy individual. This fatigue feeling can often be a type of exhaustion that is hard to cure, even with rest and can last for a long time following treatment.

Although patients who are fatigued may not feel like they have the energy to exercise, research has shown that exercise could in fact help to reduce fatigue.

Studies have shown that patients, who follow some type of exercise program, ultimately end up feeling physically and emotionally better. Research has even showed that daily activity helps patients with mesothelioma better cope with their illness.

Starting an Exercise Routine

Those who are fighting mesothelioma can often feel as if their fitness, endurance, and muscle strength have declined. However, exercise and physical therapy can actually help increase your muscle strength and improve the motion range in your muscles.

Patients who begin exercising daily are reportedly also less at risk for developing depression from their illness.

Ways in Which Exercise Can Help

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should always talk to their health care physicians before starting an exercise routine or a new diet.

However, most physicians will agree that mesothelioma is an illness that can only be positively affected by daily exercise.

The following are some of the ways in which exercise can help patients cope with mesothelioma:

· It can improve your physical and mental health
· Strengthens muscles
· Reduces fatigue
· Lowers anxiety and depression
· Improves cardiovascular fitness