The ‘C’ word is something that everyone dreads. Even though modern medicine has made cancer a much more treatable disease, the name still sends chills into people.
The sheer variety of cancers and how it affects the body makes it one of the worst diseases that a person can experience. Some cancers are easier to treat than others, but mesothelioma, unfortunately, falls on the side of the more dangerous.
Thankfully, it isn’t the most common type of cancer. Every year, only about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in America. In this article, we will take a closer look at mesothelioma and try to understand its causes and how to avoid it.
What Kind of Cancer Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is one of the rarer forms of cancer that develops over a long period of time. It is not uncommon for a person to show symptoms only after several decades. Exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is the primary cause of this cancer type.
What Types of Mesothelioma Cancers Are There?
Several types of mesothelioma cancers exist, but pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs, is the most common.
In addition to lung-related mesothelioma, there are also exist:
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Testicular mesothelioma
General symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, cough, and weight loss that happens without cause. Due to its aggressive nature, mesothelioma has a relatively poor prognosis, and treatment options typically focus on palliative care to improve quality of life.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
The cause of mesothelioma is primarily asbestos exposure. Asbestos is an umbrella term for six types of fibrous minerals.
When asbestos fibers are disturbed such as during mining, construction, renovation, or demolition work, they can become airborne and inhaled or ingested.
Once in the body, these tiny fibers can become lodged in the thin lining surrounding the internal organs. This build-up leads to a number of issues such as scarring and inflammation. When it escalates beyond a point, mesothelioma occurs.
Asbestos exposure isn’t just a thing of the past. While it is no longer used in residential construction that much, it hasn’t altogether disappeared.
The recent Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit update shows that asbestos is still affecting people’s lives. Talc is a mined mineral, and asbestos is often found in close proximity to talc. Companies like Johnson and Johnson deny that their talc-based baby powder contains any asbestos. However, they are still facing lawsuits from people who allege their product is harmful.
TorHoerman Law notes how a twenty-four-year-old man named Emory Hernandez Valadez, was recently awarded damages to the tune of $18.8 million by a jury. Valadez suffered from cancer as a result of using Johnson and Johnson’s talcum powder, which allegedly contains asbestos.
Whether Valadez will see any of the compensation is another question, as J&J’s subsidiary company filed for bankruptcy.
How Can Mesothelioma Cancer Be Prevented?
Taking precautionary measures to avoid mesothelioma is of utmost importance due to the serious and often fatal consequences of this cancer. Preventing mesothelioma involves staying away and, or reducing asbestos exposure. Here are some key preventive measures you can take:
Identify and Manage Asbestos Sources
If you live or work in an older building or structure, try to identify any potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). There are several agencies that will send a qualified asbestos professional to inspect your premises and conduct tests to determine the presence of asbestos.
Limit Disturbance of Asbestos
If you do find any asbestos, it is best to leave them undisturbed. Avoid drilling, cutting, sanding, or otherwise disturbing ACMs, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air. It may surprise you, but asbestos is relatively harmless when it is left undisturbed.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Follow local, national, and international regulations regarding the use, handling, and disposal of asbestos. Learn about the regulations where you live and follow them carefully if you need to handle asbestos.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If you are likely to encounter asbestos at work, please use the appropriate personal protective equipment. This would include respirators and disposable coveralls, to minimize exposure. The last thing you want is to have asbestos fibers on your clothes and person.
Limit Talcum Powder Usage
In light of the potential risks associated with talcum-based powder, it may be wise to consider alternative products for personal care. Many companies have introduced talc-free powders that utilize safer ingredients like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. These products can provide similar moisture-absorbing benefits without the risk of asbestos contamination.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma does seem to be one of the more difficult cancers to treat. In these situations, the best remedy is, of course, precaution. One needs to be extra vigilant in terms of avoiding exposure to risky substances.
In the case of mesothelioma, it would involve completely avoiding asbestos or products that contain asbestos. Thankfully, cancer research is one of the most funded areas of medicine.
This means that sometime in the future, we should hope to eventually see advancements and experimental treatments that make mesothelioma more treatable.
