September is Mesothelioma Awareness Month, marking a time where every year, patients, survivors, the medical community and awareness organizations look to raise awareness of this rare but deadly disease, and look to lend support to those affected and their loved ones.
As we commemorate Mesothelioma Awareness Month, here are some ways you can show support all September long.
Learn About Mesothelioma
Although mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer, it can be a particularly deadly one, making it even more important to educate yourself and others on mesothelioma and its risks. Mesothelioma is a cancer solely caused by exposure to the natural mineral asbestos, which was commonly used as insulation and in other industrial capacities for much of the 20th century.
Although asbestos use was finally regulated in the United States after its cancer links became more widely known, mesothelioma has a particularly long latency period – it is often many years between a patient’s exposure to asbestos and the development of symptoms.
Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, significantly limiting effective treatment options. Although great progress has been made in developing new treatments for mesothelioma, and there are many inspiring survivor stories, the average life expectancy of even stage 1 mesothelioma is only 20 months.
Understanding what mesothelioma is, how it manifests, and the dangers caused by asbestos exposure is a key part of learning how to avoid those risks in the future.
Educate and Advocate for Others
During Mesothelioma Awareness Month, raising the profile and knowledge of the disease is the paramount goal. And while legacy asbestos exposure – or exposure to asbestos found in old homes or buildings built when asbestos was in common use – is often the first thing people think of when they think of asbestos risk, a key part of that is understanding it’s not the only way someone can get exposed.
Although asbestos is now heavily regulated in the United States, a full federal ban has never been passed. Today, hundreds of thousands of American workers are exposed to asbestos at their jobs, with construction and maintenance workers among those most likely to be exposed.
Veterans are also more at risk of developing mesothelioma – approximately one-third of mesothelioma patients in the United States served in the military. Educating others in your life to be aware of their asbestos exposure history – even if they hadn’t previously considered that they might have been exposed – can sometimes be all you need to make a difference.
You also might consider supporting organizations that are dedicated to mesothelioma research and patient advocacy, in order to help push toward a brighter future for those fighting the disease.
Wear a Mesothelioma Wristband
Blue is the color used to promote awareness of mesothelioma and support patients and survivors, and wearing blue – especially on National Mesothelioma Awareness Day, which falls on September 26 – is an easy way to show you care.
Mesothelioma Guide offers blue mesothelioma awareness wristbands at no cost at our Free Shop for those who would like to show support and increase awareness.
For more information about mesothelioma, connect with our patient advocates. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our nurse navigator, Karen Ritter. She can help answer any medical-related questions about your diagnosis and connect you with mesothelioma specialists.
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