Mesothelioma: America’s Silent Killer
A great many Americans are affected by cancer each year. Many however, have never heard of one of the deadliest malignancies the world has ever seen: Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Most of those diagnosed with mesothelioma will die within a year of diagnosis. Among those who are most affected by mesothelioma are veterans of the United States military.
While a great many professions involved the use of asbestos, that veterans were exposed is particularly disturbing. Asbestos was used in a great number of capacities, but most often in insulation materials, which were used on naval ships and other military installations.
In the past decade, there has been a rising incidence of mesothelioma in those who served aboard naval ships and worked in naval shipyards. While asbestos was banned in the late 1970’s because its toxic qualities became public, many patients who contract mesothelioma today are suffering because of exposures during WWII, The Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. Mesothelioma is characterized by a long latency between exposure and the onset of symptoms. Shortness of breath, chest pain, and chronic cough should warrant a visit with a physician for anyone, but particularly those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer and because of this, it is underfunded. For those who have fought for our country, and for the thousands of other Americans who die each year of mesothelioma, it is imperative we find a way to eradicate this disease. More research is necessary to develop new treatments and, one day, find a cure for this difficult disease. It is only through awareness that we can begin to develop a comprehensive knowledge of this cancer. For more information and to learn how you can help, please visit the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center website at
mesotheliomaMesothelioma Cancer Center Is the link to the home page.