Mesothelioma
Learn About What Mesothelioma Is
Mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive cancers known to medical science. It forms on the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart or reproductive system organs. According to the National Cancer Institute, it ranks among the most virulent malignancies.
Tens of thousands of Americans carry this cancer within their bodies. There are approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Mesothelioma grows fast and — even if treated — kills fast. It is typically discovered too late to successfully combat, unless you know you’re at risk and are on the lookout for it.
In most cases, mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. You are at-risk if you served in the Navy or worked in a blue-collar trade — or lived with someone who did. Men are far more likely than women to get mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma by the Numbers
3000
The approximate count of new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the U.S.85
The percentage of mesothelioma cases caused by exposure to asbestos.18
The number of months a typical treated patient survives after diagnosis.6
The number of months a typical untreated patient survives after diagnosis.5
The average years a treated mesothelioma patient can survive if diagnosed soon enough.4
The typical number of decades it takes for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.3
The number of men who develop mesothelioma for every woman who does.1
The number of exposures to asbestos required to be at risk for mesothelioma.
The Onset of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
You are at the highest risk for mesothelioma if you had prolonged contact with asbestos. Asbestos was used in many home products and in the workplace.
This is especially true for workers in construction and related fields — such as electricians, plumbers, roofers, carpenters and welders. Mechanics and other laborers were also often exposed. Asbestos also served as a strategic material important to national defense — the Navy made extensive use of it aboard virtually every ship in the fleet.
Exposure to asbestos means you either inhaled or swallowed tiny fibers of the mineral. That can happen because asbestos products tend to give off dust. The dust is composed of those tiny fibers.
Once inside your body, the fibers remain there. They then very gradually corrupt the genes of the cells that make up the lining surrounding your lungs, abdominal organs, heart or reproductive system. In time, those cells turn cancerous. Prompt medical attention is the key to ensuring your hope of long survival.
