Deadly Cancer on the Rise: Mesothelioma

There can be no doubt that the public's awareness of mesothelioma cancer is on the rise. Still despite the rise of public awareness of this deadly cancer, the disease remains one of the cancers that heightened awareness and public concerns have little effect on the numbers of people afflicted. Indeed, the number of cases reported has actually increased in recent years. This is due in part to the fact that mesothelioma cancer has been linked to asbestos exposure in the patient's life some ten to fifty years prior.

Researchers at the Occupational and Environmental Medicine designed a large scale study which probed this phenomena. Their findings were released in March of this year and highlighted the research surrounding Italian asbestos cement workers who were found to have a risk of some asbestos-related cancers even after their exposure ended. These workers, unfortunately, were among the ones with the most extensive exposure to asbestos over a period of years. Although researchers noted that mesothelioma cancers are on the rise for this group of people, they noted that their risk of developing mesothelioma cancer began to diminish fifty years after the last exposure to asbestos.

What are Asbestos Cancers and How are People Exposed to Asbestos?

Asbestos cancers are a reaction to high exposure to the fibers of the mineral asbestos, which a person can breathe in without being mindful of it occurring. Asbestos is a mineral that was used in thousands of manufactured materials products that encompass our modern world. These materials include bricks, insulation, plumbing, furnaces, floors, walls, and ceilings. Although the practice of manufacturing asbestos-based products is now unauthorized, the number of mesothelioma cancers is on the rise in the United States.

What is the Treatment for Mesothelioma Cancer?

The treatment for mesothelioma is dependent upon whether it is exclusively present in one location or whether the cancer has spread. Currently there is no cure for mesothelioma unless it can be surgically removed. Unfortunately, when mesothelioma is diagnosed it has more often than not spread to other areas making the chances of it being removed surgically smaller. There are hopes for a mesothelioma cure, but research on this deadly cancer continues. Treatment goals include making the patient comfortable and improving quality of life.

Asbestos, which is the main cause of mesothelioma, was brought to light in the industrial age of the twentieth century. There is evidence which suggests that as early as 1930 there were suspicions that asbestos was linked to cancer, however uses for products with asbestos continued for years.

When the use of asbestos was at its most elevated level in the 1940s to the 1970s, approximately 3,000 products manufactured with asbestos were present and widely used. One could encounter asbestos in every day products such as hair dryers, toasters and coffee pots. And because asbestos fibers could be located in vermiculite or talc, small amounts of asbestos were reported in cosmetics, powders, fertilizer and potting soils.

Is This Cancer on the Rise, Even Today?

The incidence of malignant mesothelioma in the UK has been estimated to increase over the next fifteen to twenty-five years due in part of failure to protect workers from inhalation of asbestos. For example, in British Naval dockyards other insulation materials and respiratory protection were not used until the mid-1960s.

If you or a loved one suspects exposure to asbestos, it is highly recommend that you contact a health care professional and discuss your options.

Despite Controversy, Asbestos Research Moves Forward

Of all the intense medical debates that emerged over the course of the twentieth century, few were as heated or as wide-ranging as the controversy surrounding the health impact of asbestos. Long used as an insulation material in construction, asbestos began to be suspected as a potential health problem in the mid-twentieth century.

After a series of corporate cover-ups and public health investigations, the truth about asbestos gradually began to emerge in the last decades of the twentieth century. Strong evidence supported a link between asbestos and everything from respiratory diseases to cancer. Public institutions and private homeowners alike began the long, costly process of replacing asbestos with less hazardous materials. However, the problems were really only just beginning for the millions of people who were affected by asbestos exposure.

Although some researchers have predicted that the asbestos health crisis has reached its peak, the issue remains controversial in the scientific community. Research on the subject has remained active, and a steady stream of new results continue to be published in the leading scientific journals. This week, we'll review the findings of several recent studies that have taken a look at the health impacts of asbestos.

Many Workers Unaware of Asbestos Risk

Over the last several decades, a great deal of media attention has been focused on the health problems associated with long-term occupational exposure to asbestos. However, according to one recent study, many workers whose jobs require exposure to asbestos remain unaware of the risk associated with the material.

The study, which was conducted by UK advocacy group the British Lung Foundation, surveyed workers in a number of high-risk occupations, such as builders, plumbers, electricians, day laborers, carpenters, and gas servicemen. Many of these workers must carry out their daily duties in close proximity to asbestos-laden insulation and building materials.

According to the study?s findings, only about 12% of all the workers surveyed had an accurate understanding of the health risks posed by long-term asbestos exposure. 25% believed that exposure to minimal amounts of asbestos posed no risk.

Of those who had a clearer knowledge of the risk, 10% said they were under financial or other pressure to keep working in the field despite the potential for health problems. Nearly three-quarters of the sample reported having no on-the-job training about asbestos health risks or how to handle the material safely. The researchers said these findings underscored the need for continued asbestos awareness efforts in the workplace.

81% of the workers surveyed did not make a regular practice of testing new work sites for asbestos.

Expertise and Accuracy of Some Asbestos Care Providers Called Into Question

It's no secret that the asbestos issue has netted lawyers and plaintiffs billions of dollars in settlements over the last few decades. However, what has some medical care providers concerned is the possibility that the treatment of some asbestos exposure victims may be compromised by the promise of lawsuit money.

This suspicion appears to be partially validated by the results of a study recently conducted by scientists at the International Society of Radiology. According to the findings, a large number of the people who have successfully sued for damages due to asbestos exposure may not actually be as sick as they believe.

In one sample of radiology images taken from legal documents, lawyers? radiologists had diagnosed nearly 96% of the patients involved as having some sort of asbestos-related respiratory illness. However, when the same films were later reviewed by an unaffiliated third-party group of radiology experts, it was found that only 4.5% of the patients had significant lung problems.

The authors suggested that the radiology "experts" contracted by legal teams often had a vested interest to diagnose lung problems when none may actually exist. In many cases, the plaintiffs involved were likely unaware that any exaggeration had taken place.

The findings confirm previous reports indicating widespread irregularities in the asbestos care industry. The authors recommend more rigorous and objective screening of the diagnostic materials used in asbestos lawsuits.

Deaths from Asbestos Exposure On the Rise, Study Says

Despite some claims that the asbestos epidemic was declining, a recent meta-analysis of public health records conducted by think-tank the Environmental Working Group shows that deaths related to asbestos exposure have actually increased during the last decade.

According to the report, nearly 10,000 deaths annually in the United States alone are attributable to asbestos-related illnesses. In addition, one in every 125 men over the age of 50 dies from mesothelioma, a particularly damaging form of asbestos-related illness.

The group used these findings to reiterate its call for a complete ban on asbestos, as well as to urge lawmakers in the United States to pass more stringent regulations for the remediation of asbestos-based building materials.

If you're concerned about asbestos exposure and asbestos-related illnesses, talk to a trusted, qualified expert for a personalized risk assessment. And please check back each week for more of the latest health science news.

Cure for Mesothelioma?

Doctors and researchers are looking for answers related to a mesothelioma cure but have not found any that are 100% assured. Before we discuss a cure and treatment options, it is necessary to know about what this type of cancer is and what are its possible causes. This is a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen. High Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of these cancers. Asbestos is a heat natural silicate mineral that was widely used in the building process because of its heat-resistant features.

Lung cancer mesothelioma is the common name for this malignant disease, a rare cancer that is not very responsive to therapy. This cancer is the deadliest of all asbestos related diseases. Specifically, lung cancer mesothelioma is misnomer. This is not a cancer of the lungs; rather it generally affects the lining of the lungs.

There are three differing varieties of this cancer:

1. Ephitheliod: It affects the membranous tissue covering the intrinsic organs and surfaces of the body. A large number of the these cases occurring today belong to this type and it has the best prognosis.
2. Sarcomatoid: It develops from supportive tissues such as bones, muscles, cartilages and fats. Relatively 7% to 20% of cases are of this type.
3. Mixed/Biphasic: 20% to 35% of mesothelioma cases belong to this type. It carries both the aspects of the above two types.

The treatment options remain the same for all the varieties.

Statistically, the majority of cases are divided between two types of mesothelioma cancers:

Pleural mesothelioma, the most common, statistically 75% of all cases, is where cancerous cells propagate on the lining of the lungs. The second common type is peritoneal mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer that affects the thin cell membrane around the abdomen. This specific area of the body is referred to as the peritoneum. This is the second most prevalent type of these cancer cases.

Treatment Options

Types of treatment options available today are radiation, chemotherapy, radical surgery and/or combination of all these treatments. During treatment, either a portion of tumor or the bulk tumor is removed. In some cases, a segment of the normal tissue surrounding the area is also removed along with the tumor.

Chemotherapy - Hopes of Curing the Patient of Their Cancer

The mesothelioma treatment known as chemotherapy is when a medical professional delivers intravenous drugs to the patient in hopes of curing the patient of their cancer. Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells within the body. Most drugs used to treat these cancers are given by injection into a vein. Researchers are examining the effectiveness of introducing chemotherapy straight into the chest or abdomen.

This cancer-treatment regimen is many times called an "anti-cancer" drug. Many people overhear stories about chemotherapy from friends and family or read about it in books or brochures. What you overhear and read can give you a comprehensive idea about chemotherapy treatments; however, all of the information may not apply to you and your specific situation.

Side Effects

Some people have gone through chemotherapy treatments with little side effects. Side effects occur because the normal cells in the body are also exposed to the anticancer drug. The most acute normal cells are found in the blood, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and reproductive system. Therefore, potential side effects include infection, bleeding, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, thin hair coat or skin color changes, and sterility. Uncommon side effects associated with specific drugs include bladder discomfort, kidney damage, and heart failure. The most grave side effect is a overwhelming infection which can lead to death. Your doctor will suggest an suitable chemotherapy plan based on your medical history, type of mesothelioma cancer, degree of cancer, current state of health, and updated research.

Contact a Professional if Exposed to Asbestos

The effectiveness of the treatment and the possibility of a cure depends on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. If you or a loved one suspects any exposure to asbestos, contact a health care professional right away.

What Types of Housing Materials Can Contain Asbestos?

Any house constructed prior to 1980 could contain asbestos - a material which has been directly associated with the cancer mesothelioma. It is important that samples be taken from the house to be tested and analyzed by a qualified lab prior to demolition or remodeling.

There are many materials in a home built prior to 1980 that can contain asbestos. Both plaster and drywall can contain asbestos. Sprayed on texturing may also contain asbestos. Many flooring materials can contain asbestos, and in some cases in older homes, there could be many layers of flooring materials - each layer possibly containing asbestos. Older boilers can be insulated with asbestos. Seams and medal ducting can be covered with asbestos tape. Roofing materials can contain asbestos. For the safety of everyone involved, it is important that older homes be surveyed for asbestos prior to the beginning of any work.

Any asbestos containing materials must be removed by workers who are trained in asbestos removal and wear protective clothing and a respirator. The safe removal of asbestos should be considered prior to remodeling or demolition of any structure.

Remodeling an Older Home

In recent years, many factors have led to the increase in home renovation projects. In some cases, the dream of owning a luxury home can be obtained less expensively by remodeling or salvaging an older home. There are, however, many factors that should be considered before making this decision. One very important subject that should be investigated is the possibility of asbestos within existing materials of the older home.

Why Should Housing Contractors Be Aware of Asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is very tough. If asbestos is disturbed during renovations or demolitions, workers could breathe in asbestos fibers. If workers breathe in asbestos fibers, their lungs can suffer permanent damage and they can get lung cancer. This lung cancer is commonly referred to as mesothelioma.

More Information About Mesothelioma

Although very rare, the lung cancer, mesothelioma, is a very serious disease. Mesothelioma affects the inside lining of the chest cavity and is directly associated with asbestos exposure. Please refer to the brief history or mesothelioma for more information. There are many breakthroughs in the treatment of mesothelioma, such as the drug Altima and a new drug Vinflunine (pronounced VIN-floo-neen), that was recently tested in Europe for the treatment of mesothelioma.

For more information, please refer to the National Cancer Institute website - Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers.

Consult a Professional

If you are a loved one suspect any asbestos exposure, it is important that a health care professional be consulted immediately.

Researchers Probe Asbestos-Related Illnesses and Emerging Treatments

The chemical and mineral compound known as asbestos has been recognized for its unique insulating properties for hundreds of years. By the late nineteenth century, asbestos began to be used widely to improve the insulation of homes, business, and other structures, a practice that continued until the mid-1980s.

Over the course of the twentieth century, troubling signs that asbestos may cause health problems began to amass. However, several of the most prominent manufacturers of asbestos building products undertook a campaign of deception and obfuscation, seeking to hide evidence of the health dangers of asbestos exposure.

By the 1980s, overwhelming evidence of the ill effects of asbestos prompted many governments to ban the substance. The medical literature proved beyond a reasonable doubt that asbestos exposure could be linked to conditions such as mesothelioma, tumors, cancers, asbestos warts, and abestosis. Less conclusive links have been found connecting asbestos exposure to respiratory conditions such as pleural plaque and diffuse pleural thickening.

The massive medical fallout from the widespread use of asbestos as a building material continues even today. Meanwhile, in developing nations such as India and China, asbestos is still commonly used to insulate buildings and electrical wiring. Scientists around the world are engaged in the pursuit of more answers about asbestos and its negative health impacts. This week, we'll review the findings of three recent studies from the front lines of asbestos research.

Researchers Uncover Link between Asbestos Exposure and Autoimmune Disorders

While the connection between asbestos exposure and cancer, mesothelioma, and other diseases has been recognized since the 1980s, scientists are now beginning to explore other health problems that can arise through exposure to the long-banned insulating material. One recent study conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle suggested that a link may exist between occupation exposure to asbestos and an increased risk for autoimmune disorders.

Specifically, the authors found that individuals who had been engaged in professions that placed them in close proximity to asbestos stood a much greater chance of dying of systemic autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, than did their counterparts who had little or no occupation risk of asbestos exposure.

The study also found a similar risk between other environmental contaminants that are often present in some workplaces, such as pesticides, solvents, and benzene. In order to confirm these findings, the authors suggested that future studies be carried out that involve detailed occupational risk analyses among autoimmune disease sufferers.

Current Estimations of Asbestos-Related Disease May be Too Low, Study Shows

Researchers in Australia conducted a long-term epidemiological study of asbestos-related disease as a means of developing a model for future disease projections. Based on the results of the study, which was recently presented at a lecture hosted by the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, past attempts to predict asbestos-related diseases have fallen far short of the mark.

According to the findings, future cases of asbestos-related diseases such as respiratory problems, cancer, and mesothelioma may far exceed currently-accepted projections. In some cases, the rate of asbestos-related illnesses may prove to be as much as 35% higher than currently predicted.

The main difference between the new model and past projections of asbestos-related disease is that it was once believed that the year 2010 would be the peak for such health problems. According to new information, it is now believed that the peak of asbestos-related diseases may occur much later, perhaps as late as 2060. Based on this information, the researchers urged public health officials and health advocacy groups to adjust their asbestos prevention and intervention strategies accordingly.

New Chemotherapy Treatment Boosts Survival Rates in Cases of Mesothelioma

The primary form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, is notoriously resistant to most forms of treatment. However, the findings of a new study conducted by scientists at the Clatterbridge Center for Oncology in England may offer new hope for patients afflicted with this disease.

An innovative chemotherapy formula that combines the drugs pemetrexed and cisplatin was shown to be far more effective in the treatment of mesothelioma than the current protocol. Not only did the combination drug lengthen the lives of patients with the disease, but it also significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life, according to the study participants. Although more research will be necessary to affirm the safety of the drug, this breakthrough may be a promising first step for mesothelioma patients.

If you're concern about the risk of asbestos-related health problems, talk to your doctor to develop a personalized risk and prevention plan. Please check back here each week for more of the latest medical research news.