Mesothelioma is a rare, deadly form of cancer. Other forms of cancer may respond to treatment and provide victims with a full recovery. Sadly, there is no cure for mesothelioma, and victims usually die within six months of their diagnosis. Many are unfamiliar with this form of cancer because cases have only recently surfaced. Those who are diagnosed with this deadly disease were likely exposed to toxic chemicals within the past fifty years. This disease progresses very slowly. There are about 3,000 new cases in the United States each year. Most of these victims are elderly. Nonetheless, younger adults are not exempt from mesothelioma.

Cause of Mesothelioma: Asbestos

Older individuals are mainly affected by mesothelioma because they worked in companies that exposed them to asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic fiber that was used in many industries. In the early 70’s to mid 80’s, those who worked in automotive factories, mines, shipbuilding industries, and engineering companies were likely exposed to this deadly fiber. Asbestos is not easily detected. The fibers do not contain a smell, yet when inhaled they can potential eat away at the lining of the stomach and lungs. Sadly, many of these workers unknowingly placed their families in grave danger. Asbestos can linger on the body. Thus, after hours of exposure, these workers entered their homes with asbestos fibers on their clothes and hair. Similar to tobacco use, second-hand asbestos exposure can potentially cause cancer.