Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2015: Raising Awareness and Taking Action

Greetings to our readers! As we approach Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2015, we want to take the opportunity to shed light on this deadly disease and encourage readers to take action to support the cause. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to develop, making early detection and treatment difficult.

The Importance of Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Mesothelioma Awareness Day is observed on September 26th every year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about mesothelioma and advocating for a ban on asbestos – the primary cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Awareness Day offers an opportunity for patients, caregivers, and advocates to come together and support each other, share their stories, and raise awareness about this disease.

The History of Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Mesothelioma Awareness Day was first established in 2004 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) – a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma through research, education, support, and advocacy. Since then, Mesothelioma Awareness Day has become a global movement to raise awareness about mesothelioma and advocate for a ban on asbestos.

Why We Need to Raise Awareness About Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos – a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing until the 1970s. Despite the known health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it is still not banned in the United States and many other countries.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States each year. Because the symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to develop, many people are diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease when treatment options are limited. Raising awareness about mesothelioma can help people understand the risks of asbestos exposure, recognize the symptoms of mesothelioma, and seek medical attention early.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2015: A Day of Action

This year’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day is focused on taking action to support the cause. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Event	Date and Time	Location
5K Walk/Run for Mesothelioma Research	September 26th, 9:00 AM	Central Park, New York City
Candlelight Vigil	September 26th, 7:00 PM	Washington, D.C.
Mesothelioma Awareness Booth	September 26th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM	San Francisco, CA

Even if you cannot attend one of the events on Mesothelioma Awareness Day, there are many ways you can support the cause. You can donate to a mesothelioma research organization, share your story on social media using the hashtag #MesoAwareness, or contact your elected representatives to urge them to support the ban on asbestos. Every action counts, and together we can make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Awareness Day

1. What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

2. What causes mesothelioma?

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos – a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing until the 1970s.

3. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through imaging tests, biopsy, and other procedures.

4. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

5. Who is at risk for mesothelioma?

People who have worked in industries where asbestos was commonly used are at the highest risk for mesothelioma.

6. Is asbestos still used in the United States?

Asbestos is not banned in the United States and is still used in some products.

7. What is the goal of Mesothelioma Awareness Day?

The goal of Mesothelioma Awareness Day is to raise awareness about mesothelioma and advocate for a ban on asbestos.

8. How can I get involved in Mesothelioma Awareness Day?

You can attend an event, donate to a mesothelioma research organization, share your story on social media using the hashtag #MesoAwareness, or contact your elected representatives to urge them to support the ban on asbestos.

9. What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?

Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

10. Is mesothelioma curable?

There is no cure for mesothelioma, but early detection and treatment can improve outcomes.

11. How can I reduce my risk of mesothelioma?

You can reduce your risk of mesothelioma by avoiding exposure to asbestos and other harmful substances in the workplace.

12. Can mesothelioma be prevented?

The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to ban asbestos and other harmful substances.

13. How can I support mesothelioma patients and caregivers?

You can support mesothelioma patients and caregivers by providing emotional support, assisting with daily tasks, and advocating for mesothelioma research and awareness.

Taking Action to Support Mesothelioma Awareness

As we wrap up this article, we urge our readers to take action to support mesothelioma awareness. Whether it’s attending an event, donating to a research organization, or simply sharing your story on social media, every action counts. Together, we can raise awareness about mesothelioma, advocate for a ban on asbestos, and support patients, caregivers, and advocates in the fight against this deadly disease.

Thank you for reading, and we hope you join us in supporting Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2015.

Closing Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about mesothelioma or any other medical condition.