May is National Cancer Research Month, but strangely enough, most people don't seem to know that.
May was first designated by Congress as National Cancer Research Month in 2007 and again in 2011. And we hope that the spirit of awareness surrounding National Cancer Research Month continues throughout the years. Even though many advances have been made in the ongoing battle against cancer, more work needs to be done –especially in the areas of mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Even though mesothelioma is only diagnosed in approximately 3,000 people each year, it continues to be a deadly cancer with few new treatment options. The worst part is that when it comes to cancer research, mesothelioma is generally lumped into the same category as lung cancer, even though the two have very distinct differences.
And lung cancer research tends to get little funding, especially compared to breast cancer or prostate cancer. Yet, lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in the country, taking more lives each year than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined.
That's why mesothelioma and asbestos awareness are so important. Even though many people think that asbestos and asbestos cancers are a thing of the past, people are still being exposed to asbestos today. Not just in developing nations, but in the U.S. As long as the U.S. continues to import and use asbestos (primarily in roofing materials and other construction products), people will continue to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
The worst part? The battle for cancer research funding has never been more heated. As Congress fights over the 2013 federal budget, many public health dollars have been threatened.
To learn more about mesothelioma, call us at 1.866.855.1229 or fill out our contact form for a free mesothelioma care package.
Connect with other mesothelioma warriors in our Facebook group, Fight Mesothelioma, to help raise awareness.
