Action Mesothelioma Day Recognizes Rare Cancer

For those living in the United Kingdom, today marks Action Mesothelioma Day, an attempt to spread awareness about a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

The British Lung Foundation and other asbestos support groups have campaigned for the day since 2006. In addition to creating awareness about the effects of asbestos exposure, the day is meant to support those who have been affected with malignant mesothelioma as well as bring notice to the importance of improving treatment options.

A cure for this cancer has yet to be found, but researchers around the world continue to perform clinical trials with the hope of finding one. Current treatment methods are more or less designed to relieve symptoms and prolong life. The average mesothelioma life expectancy for patients ranges between four and 18 months.

Similar to Action Mesothelioma Day, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation recognizes Mesothelioma Awareness Day each year on September 26. The United States has also recognized National Asbestos Awareness Day on April 1 since 2005. The first week of April is actually considered National Asbestos Awareness Week, thanks to the efforts of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

Action Mesothelioma Day provides an opportunity to raise money for organizations conducting research on mesothelioma. Funding this type of research can be very expensive and clinical trials can last for many months.

This year’s Action Mesothelioma Day is focusing on “Do It Yourself” projects and raising awareness about the hazards of disturbing asbestos-containing materials around the home. The campaign is also placing emphasis on the importance of properly disposing asbestos-laden materials once they have been removed.

Additional information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 2nd, 2010 at 1:45 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Legislation, Mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.