Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Today is Mesothelioma Awareness Day.  According to Dr. Howard West, “Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen.”  Dr. West states that “The primary cause and risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.”  Since the 1970’s, asbestos has been highly regulated.  Yet, it continues to be a problem in older homes (see here), and diseases from asbestos still afflict people (see here).

According to Dr. West, “While there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, many patients have had success in managing their cancer with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and surgical methods.”  The prognosis can depend on different factors, such as the stage of the disease and health.  See here for symptoms or warning signs of mesothelioma.

Merlin Olsen was known as a football player and as an actor in Little House on the Prairie and Father Murphy.  He died in 2010 at the age of 69.  In 2009, he had been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which impacts the abdomen’s lining.  Olsen attributed this to exposure to asbestos.

Check out Mesothelioma.com for more information about Mesothelioma, symptoms, treatment, and asbestos. 

See also the Mesothelioma Lawyer Center.   Also: Mesothelioma.net.