Mesothelioma info

This site is dedicated to the fight against mesothelioma - a worldwide health crisis with roots in humanity’s use of asbestos. Although the use of asbestos has now been banned in the European Union, it is estimated that 250,000 workers in Western Europe alone will have died from mesothelioma by 2029. It is our hope that this website will be helpful to those throughout Europe who have been affected by this epidemic.

Mesothelioma is a rare and virulent form of cancer that affects the lining of the lung, lining of the abdominal cavity or lining around the heart. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, and occurs in those who have breathed in asbestos fiber, in many cases 20 to 50 or more years ago. Some were exposed on their jobs; others were exposed secondarily through family members who without their knowledge, brought fiber home on their work clothes or on their hair or skin. The only known cause of mesothelioma in the United States is previous exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos manufacturers knew about the hazards of asbestos seventy years ago - but they kept this knowledge to themselves. The first warnings given to workers exposed to asbestos fibers were in the mid-1960s, and they were terribly inadequate. Even today, workers are not always told they are working around asbestos and are at risk for asbestos disease.

Despite the serious nature of the disease, there is hope. Every year, doctors and scientists worldwide are developing new treatments and making new discoveries that help to improve the chance of survival and the patient’s quality of life. This website helps patients and their family members connect with the resources they need to be informed and make the best decisions on their potential treatment and care.

The first section of our website answers common questions about mesothelioma and its cause and discusses those at risk. In the next section, the most common symptoms are discussed, as well as the various testing procedures which may be used to come to a diagnosis. The treatment section discusses types of aggressive treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and clinical trials being conducted by cancer facilities throughout the world, as well as the palliative care option for those who either can not or choose not to be treated. Every year, progress is being made.

Treatment options for mesothelioma vary from patient-to-patient and may include traditional treatments, alternative treatments, new treatments, or some combination thereof. Since mesothelioma is such a rare disease, patients who have been diagnosed may wish to seek treatment from a specialist or team of specialists.