The Symptoms Of Mesothelioma

The aymptome of MESOTHELIOMA Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer which develops in tissues covering the lungs, abdomen, heart and testicles, known as the mesothelium. 75% of cases occur The disease typically has a long latency period of between 20 and 50 years, meaning it takes decades for damaged cells to turn cancerous. in the lungs. This is known as 20-50 pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by exposure to ASBESTOS, a material which was used for more than 100 years for applications such as: Lagging Fire Resistance Insulation Despite all use of asbestos being banned in the UK since 1999 (and blue and brown asbestos since 1985), it is reported that more than 50% of British homes still contain this deadly material. When disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibres into the air. It is these fibres which cause problems when inhaled and can lead to the development of diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis or pleural thickening. In most cases, asbestos exposure is occupational and occurred many years ago as a result of negligence on the part of an employer. Those occupations commonly regarded as 'at risk' include: Carpenters Plumbers Decorators Electricians 0000 Other Laggers Shipbuilders Locomotive Construction Engineers Workers However, asbestos exposure isn't always occupational and can occur as a result of: Environmental Factors Secondary Exposure Common forms of secondary exposure include: Doing The Laundry Washing the clothes of a family member who has worked with asbestos can Sitting On Furniture If a worker who handled asbestos didn't change their clothes and sat on the sofa, this could lead to secondary exposure. Hugging Believe it or not, hugging someone who had handled asbestos could cause particles from the clothes to be breathed in. release fibres into the air. Surprisingly, research has shown that almost 70% of the at-risk population CẦN NOT NAME A SINGLE SYMPTOM OF MESOTHELIOMA. Of those surveyed": 17% can namel symptom 68% 6% can name 2 symptoms cannot name 4% can name 3 symptoms a single symptom 2% can name 4 symptoms 1% can name 5 symptoms 2% can name >5 symptoms 2000 individuals over the age of 45 (taking into account the fact that all asbestos use was banned from 1999 hence covering the largest 'at risk' demographic). Given the risks associated with asbestos exposure exist not only for those who have worked with the deadly material, but also family members who may have washed their clothes, hugged them or sat next to them on the sofa; these statistics are shocking. This showcases an urgent need for education of the at-risk population in order to be in a position to recognise the symptoms of this fatal disease. As with all cancers, the earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA? Chest Pain Night Sweats Lower A Persistent Cough Back Pain Shortness Wheezing Of Breath A High Temperature Unexplained Weight Loss Pleural Effusions Symptoms commonly present between 20 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos, with the mean latency period for men presenting as 47.9 years and for women, 53.3 years. The sooner mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. Most people are not diagnosed until the cancer is stage III or IV. Unfortunately, early symptoms are often hard to detect and can be confused with those of other conditions. Mesothelioma sufferers are often misdiagnosed with pneumonia, bronchial infections or COPD. If you yourself have worked with asbestos or are the family member of someone who has, ask yourself: Can you name all the main symptoms of mesothelioma? Do you know when you were exposed to the material? By being able to identify the symptoms could allow for an earlier diagnosis and a better prognosis. KNOW YOUR SYMPTOMS ASBESTOS ADVICE HELPLINE Brought to you by Asbestos Advice Helpline DIIII