Mesothelioma is a rare cancer affecting around 3,000 Americans each year. In more than 70 percent of the cases, asbestos exposure is the main cause. A recent two-year study may have determined another leading contributor to the deadly disease. Rats exposed to vinylidene chloride (VDC), an industrial toxicant, had higher[…]
From the blog
Grapes and leukemia treatment may help mesothelioma
Several research articles recently published detail new and innovative drug solutions to fight mesothelioma. Scientists from around the world continue to develop potential solutions with Korea releasing their findings tied to a leukemia treatment and red wine. Published in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the study found clofarabine, a drug typically[…]
Women three times more likely to survive mesothelioma than men
The prognosis for mesothelioma is grim- only 40 percent of all victims survive the first year with the average dwindling to eight percent after three years. Different studies varied in their conclusions about whether men or women survive longer. Recognizing none of the existing studies were population-based, researchers decided to[…]
New mesothelioma detection method exposes subjects to less radiation
To monitor a patient for mesothelioma involves subjecting them to CT scans with high levels of radiation. Repeated screenings increase risks for other health issues. For workers exposed to asbestos, these scans are necessary for survival even with the drawbacks. A study out of France found a new CT method[…]
Yale won’t revoke honorary degree from a man who caused an asbestos environmental disaster
In 1996, Yale awarded Stephan Schmidheiny an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his work in promoting stewardship for the environment. Many praised Schmidheiny based on his efforts to protect the planet and even referred to him as the Bill Gates of Switzerland. A verdict received in 2012 changed the[…]
Threat of mesothelioma a lifetime fear
Developing mesothelioma after asbestos exposure is a known occurrence, yet little research is conducted to evaluate the risk period after first exposure. Scientists in Italy and Australia studied more than 20,000 people exposed to asbestos and more than 800 patients diagnosed with mesothelioma to determine the long-term risks. Based on[…]
New method to diagnose mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a death sentence to most who receive the diagnosis. Taking decades to develop, many visit the doctor after suffering from shortness of breath not realizing past asbestos exposure sealed their fate. Many tests exist to determine the mesothelioma diagnosis, such as imaging and bloodwork, but a tissue biopsy[…]
Firefighters at higher risk for many cancers including mesothelioma
When the alarm sounds, they don’t think about the dangers ahead or their possible loss of life. Firefighters immediately react, placing the lives of those in peril ahead of their own. They charge into burning buildings with one goal in mind, not pausing to consider the longterm effects. Unfortunately for[…]
Mesothelioma may have a new cause
Researchers in China found a substance that may lead to mesothelioma. Developed to resist chemicals, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used in textiles, manufacturing, electronics and optics. Like asbestos, the MWCNTs may cause mesothelioma when inhaled. Rats at the Anhui Medical University College of Basic Medial Sciences were exposed to[…]
Asbestos Infographic highlights dangers and risks
Thank you Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization for creating this informative tool!
