Survivor Calls for Increased Awareness of Mesothelioma

Awareness & Research

Written by Kasie Coleman

Reading Time: 3 mins
Publication Date: 09/25/2013
Fact Checked
Our fact-checking process begins with a thorough review of all sources to ensure they are high quality. Then we cross-check the facts with original medical or scientific reports published by those sources, or we validate the facts with reputable news organizations, medical and scientific experts and other health experts. Each page includes all sources for full transparency.
Reviewed

Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource

The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.

Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.

More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.

About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com

  • Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
  • Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
  • 5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
Learn More About Us

Testimonials

"My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family."
Lashawn
Mesothelioma patient’s daughter
  • Google Review Rating
  • BBB Review Rating

How to Cite Asbestos.com’s Article

APA

Coleman, K. (2023, February 28). Survivor Calls for Increased Awareness of Mesothelioma. Asbestos.com. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/blog/2013/09/25/survivor-raises-mesothelioma-awareness/

MLA

Coleman, Kasie. "Survivor Calls for Increased Awareness of Mesothelioma." Asbestos.com, 28 Feb 2023, https://www.asbestos.com/blog/2013/09/25/survivor-raises-mesothelioma-awareness/.

Chicago

Coleman, Kasie. "Survivor Calls for Increased Awareness of Mesothelioma." Asbestos.com. Last modified February 28, 2023. https://www.asbestos.com/blog/2013/09/25/survivor-raises-mesothelioma-awareness/.

I’ll be honest, when I was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma three years ago, I didn’t know exactly what it was.

If it weren’t for the asbestos law firms running commercials every day, I wouldn’t have ever heard the word mesothelioma, much less know its meaning. It’s a cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a highly toxic mineral used in many products.

The truth of the matter is that this cancer is aggressive and deadly, and it still flies silently under the radar, compared to other types of cancers, because it’s less prevalent.

Take for instance, breast cancer. American Cancer Society records show more than 232,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2013. That’s a devastating statistic and it’s why tons of money, awareness and research are poured into finding a cure.

Unfortunately, those of us in the asbestos cancer category get less attention because fewer than 3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. On the positive side, asbestos is being phased out of most products in the U.S. and thank God there are physicians working feverishly to eradicate this disease. But it’s not enough.

Questions Remain, Despite Campaigns to Raise Awareness

Congress in 2010 declared September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Since then, many events have been planned throughout the U.S. to bring attention to the disease. This is a great start, but it’s not the end. In the meantime, we must continue to raise awareness and let people know there are still lives being lost from a building material used many years ago that remains in our existing buildings.

There are still schools in my community with exposed asbestos. It pains me every time I think about students going to school to learn, but could later develop mesothelioma for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It is my desire to meet with my state representatives to ensure that asbestos abatement is performed at every school with exposed asbestos in my parish.

Because asbestos is a thing of the past, I don’t feel that anyone takes it seriously.

I have come across many in the medical community who are still in the dark about mesothelioma. I get asked all the time, “Isn’t that caused by asbestos? What is it?” These questions let me know there is lots of work to be done.

I have been actively speaking about asbestos cancer, its causes and lingering effects.

I encourage you to take time on Thursday to remember those who have lost their battle and inform at least 10 people of this terrible disease. My customers will walk into my bakery on Thursday and find blue cupcakes for asbestos awareness and Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

I will hand out blue wristbands from Asbestos.com to every customer who enters my place of business. They will not only learn what mesothelioma means, but they will be able to put a face to the disease, and remember that others and I continue fighting and winning.