Staying fit is important to overall health but what if your home or work environment is putting your hard earned buff bod at risk? That is exactly the case with asbestos - a carcinogen that could be lurking all around you.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring microscopic fibrous mineral that when inhaled becomes embedded in the lining of organs. The toxin is still legal in the United States and kills up to 15,000 people in the country each year. While no longer mined in the United States it is still imported by the tons exposing Americans to its deadly side effects. As the legality is discussed in the courtroom the best line of defense against the disease is increased awareness.Ingestion of the asbestos dust can lead to
Ingestion of the asbestos dust can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The latter is a rare and aggressive cancer that kills 2,400 to 2,800 Americans a year. Asbestos was widely used in previous decades, peaking in the 20th century. The toxin could be found in homes, schools, and government buildings in the form of insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, among other types of building materials. There are now guidelines for asbestos use in the United States that stipulate that there cannot be more than one percent asbestos in products. But prior to such
There are now guidelines for asbestos use in the United States that stipulate that there cannot be more than one percent asbestos in products. But prior to such guidelines, the public was exposed to the material in consumer products as well as through their work and home spaces. Those most likely to have worked with asbestos are shipbuilders, construction workers, military personnel, and tradesmen.
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The Definition of Mesothelioma: a cancer of mesothelial tissue, associated especially with exposure to asbestos.
https://youtu.be/5_goSuG1lfo
[/box]
Those impacted through their workplace during the 20th century were typically men because of the traditionally male work environments where exposure occurred. These men are considered to be a part of the first wave of mesothelioma patients. The second wave of patients is their family members. Their wives who washed their work clothes and their children and other immediate family members who came in contact with the asbestos dust they would bring home on them.
There is now a third wave of asbestos exposure - the DIY craze. Many people are taking the initiative to update their homes themselves - much like those that take the initiative to better their health through exercise - but they often are unknowingly exposing themselves to asbestos. According to the EPA, more than 35 million homes in the U.S. contain asbestos.
There are four types of mesothelioma - pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and the least common testicular. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often mistaken for other more common diseases. Additionally, each type of mesothelioma shows unique symptoms - adding an additional layer of mystery. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, accounting for 80 to 90 percent of all mesothelioma cases. This form specifically impacts the lungs , decreasing lung function.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma present themselves similarly as symptoms of pneumonia, influenza, and lung cancer. The primary symptoms affect the respiratory system, as shortness of breath, or the thoracic (chest) cavity, resulting in chest pain. The similarity in symptomatology hinders accurate and timely diagnoses for patients lowering the possibility for a good prognosis. Most patients are only given 12 to 21 months to live.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma present themselves similarly as symptoms of pneumonia, influenza, and lung cancer. The primary symptoms affect the respiratory system, as shortness of breath, or the thoracic (chest) cavity, resulting in chest pain. The similarity in symptomatology hinders accurate and timely diagnoses for patients lowering the possibility for a good prognosis. Most patients are only given 12 to 21 months to live.
Patients with mesothelioma are battling against a ticking time bomb - symptoms of cancer typically do not manifest until 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure and even when symptoms are present the chance of a misdiagnosis is high. Most diagnoses occur when the cancer has advanced to the third or fourth stage. At this later state most patients the only option is palliative care.Due to the latency period of diagnosis people commonly believe that mesothelioma is an “old person” problem which is simply not true. The average age of mesothelioma patients is steadily decreasing. A prime example of that is Heather Von St. James, an 11-year mesothelioma survivor. Heather was just 36-years-old when she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. She was a strong young woman who had the battle to fight for her young family. Heather and her husband Cameron had just welcomed their first child three months prior to her diagnosis. Heather was exposed to the deadly asbestos dust through her father's jacket. Like many kids Heather was infatuated with her father and would wear the coat he wore at work when doing her outside chores. She was breathing in the dust for years. Exposure at a young age, like what Heather experienced, is extremely problematic as a child exposed to asbestos is 3.5 times more likely than a 25-year-old to develop mesothelioma.
Due to the latency period of diagnosis people commonly believe that mesothelioma is an “old person” problem which is simply not true. The average age of mesothelioma patients is steadily decreasing. A prime example of that is Heather Von St. James, an 11-year mesothelioma survivor. Heather was just 36-years-old when she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. She was a strong young woman who had the battle to fight for her young family. Heather and her husband Cameron had just welcomed their first child three months prior to her diagnosis. Heather was exposed to the deadly asbestos dust through her father's jacket. Like many kids Heather was infatuated with her father and would wear the coat he wore at work when doing her outside chores. She was breathing in the dust for years. Exposure at a young age, like what Heather experienced, is extremely problematic as a child exposed to asbestos is 3.5 times more likely than a 25-year-old to develop mesothelioma.
[caption id="attachment_27073" align="aligncenter" width="618"]
Heather and Lily[/caption]
Thankfully Heather’s story is not over - she’s alive and well today thanks to fast-acting medical professionals who were able to try advanced treatments options and remove her cancer impacted lung. Heather underwent an extrapleural pneumonectomy on February 2, 2007. Heather’s treatment involved removing her left lung, the cancerous pleura, her diaphragm, and the lining of her heart, replacing the latter two with surgical gore-tex. Her chest cavity was then bathed with a heated chemotherapy solution. She and her sister jokingly nicknamed the day LungLeavin’ Day and they continue to celebrate her new lease on life on that date each year. Thanks to this risky procedure Heather has been able to watch her daughter, Lily-Rose, grow up.
The most common treatments for mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Often these three treatment options are used in tandem with the hopes of getting better results more quickly than would be gained through one single treatment option. Advancements have also been made in recent years with immunotherapy options that have been aiding patients in their fight for their lives.
Immunotherapy involves increasing the patient's own immune system which in turn aides their body as it battles the disease. Other experimental options include gene therapy and photodynamic therapy.
To maintain the stamina needed to battle against the disease when undergoing these treatments many cancer patients find solace in working out, whether they are regular gym dwellers or only walked into a gym once in their life prior to diagnosis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults exercise at least 2.5 hours a week - this recommendation extends to cancer patients. Studies have shown that physical activity can decrease the risk for certain cancers - even more, there are new studies showing that regular exercise can also improve overall health and quality of life for those already diagnosed.
Studies have shown that physical activity can decrease the risk for certain cancers - even more, there are new studies showing that regular exercise can also improve overall health and quality of life for those already diagnosed. The symptoms of treatment are often intense and anything that can be done to lessen the burden felt by the person in treatment is worth a shot. Exercise can reduce the symptoms associated with their cancer treatments including fatigue, nausea and aerobic capacity. These symptoms are often a barrier to an active lifestyle, let alone an exercise routine, but once that first push is made there would be an immediate change in energy levels. The exercise can, and will, lead to a more enjoyable day to day life.
The symptoms of treatment are often intense and anything that can be done to lessen the burden felt by the person in treatment is worth a shot. Exercise can reduce the symptoms associated with their cancer treatments including fatigue, nausea and aerobic capacity. These symptoms are often a barrier to an active lifestyle, let alone an exercise routine, but once that first push is made there would be an immediate change in energy levels. The exercise can, and will, lead to a more enjoyable day to day life.
As with all cancer, the prognosis is impacted by multiple factors. Some factors patients are not able to control - such as their age, location, and the stage of the disease - but making healthful decisions is within their control. Taking ownership and having the ability to change one aspect of their disease can be a concrete goal to work towards when many things are out of their control.
Like many survivors Heather has since become a patient advocate, educating people on the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma. Heather works hard year-round to raise awareness of the horrific, yet preventable disease. September 26 is Mesothelioma Awareness Day, the one day a year mesothelioma gets put in the spotlight. Heather will be discussing the progress made toward ending mesothelioma on Twitter via a tweet chat at 12 p.m. EST. Join her, and the discussion surrounding the disease by using the hashtag #EndMeso.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring microscopic fibrous mineral that when inhaled becomes embedded in the lining of organs. The toxin is still legal in the United States and kills up to 15,000 people in the country each year. While no longer mined in the United States it is still imported by the tons exposing Americans to its deadly side effects. As the legality is discussed in the courtroom the best line of defense against the disease is increased awareness.Ingestion of the asbestos dust can lead to
Ingestion of the asbestos dust can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The latter is a rare and aggressive cancer that kills 2,400 to 2,800 Americans a year. Asbestos was widely used in previous decades, peaking in the 20th century. The toxin could be found in homes, schools, and government buildings in the form of insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, among other types of building materials. There are now guidelines for asbestos use in the United States that stipulate that there cannot be more than one percent asbestos in products. But prior to such
There are now guidelines for asbestos use in the United States that stipulate that there cannot be more than one percent asbestos in products. But prior to such guidelines, the public was exposed to the material in consumer products as well as through their work and home spaces. Those most likely to have worked with asbestos are shipbuilders, construction workers, military personnel, and tradesmen.
[box type="info" align="" class="" width=""]
The Definition of Mesothelioma: a cancer of mesothelial tissue, associated especially with exposure to asbestos.
https://youtu.be/5_goSuG1lfo
[/box]
Those impacted through their workplace during the 20th century were typically men because of the traditionally male work environments where exposure occurred. These men are considered to be a part of the first wave of mesothelioma patients. The second wave of patients is their family members. Their wives who washed their work clothes and their children and other immediate family members who came in contact with the asbestos dust they would bring home on them.
There is now a third wave of asbestos exposure - the DIY craze. Many people are taking the initiative to update their homes themselves - much like those that take the initiative to better their health through exercise - but they often are unknowingly exposing themselves to asbestos. According to the EPA, more than 35 million homes in the U.S. contain asbestos.
There are four types of mesothelioma - pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and the least common testicular. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often mistaken for other more common diseases. Additionally, each type of mesothelioma shows unique symptoms - adding an additional layer of mystery. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, accounting for 80 to 90 percent of all mesothelioma cases. This form specifically impacts the lungs , decreasing lung function.
What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma present themselves similarly as symptoms of pneumonia, influenza, and lung cancer. The primary symptoms affect the respiratory system, as shortness of breath, or the thoracic (chest) cavity, resulting in chest pain. The similarity in symptomatology hinders accurate and timely diagnoses for patients lowering the possibility for a good prognosis. Most patients are only given 12 to 21 months to live.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma present themselves similarly as symptoms of pneumonia, influenza, and lung cancer. The primary symptoms affect the respiratory system, as shortness of breath, or the thoracic (chest) cavity, resulting in chest pain. The similarity in symptomatology hinders accurate and timely diagnoses for patients lowering the possibility for a good prognosis. Most patients are only given 12 to 21 months to live.
Patients with mesothelioma are battling against a ticking time bomb - symptoms of cancer typically do not manifest until 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure and even when symptoms are present the chance of a misdiagnosis is high. Most diagnoses occur when the cancer has advanced to the third or fourth stage. At this later state most patients the only option is palliative care.Due to the latency period of diagnosis people commonly believe that mesothelioma is an “old person” problem which is simply not true. The average age of mesothelioma patients is steadily decreasing. A prime example of that is Heather Von St. James, an 11-year mesothelioma survivor. Heather was just 36-years-old when she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. She was a strong young woman who had the battle to fight for her young family. Heather and her husband Cameron had just welcomed their first child three months prior to her diagnosis. Heather was exposed to the deadly asbestos dust through her father's jacket. Like many kids Heather was infatuated with her father and would wear the coat he wore at work when doing her outside chores. She was breathing in the dust for years. Exposure at a young age, like what Heather experienced, is extremely problematic as a child exposed to asbestos is 3.5 times more likely than a 25-year-old to develop mesothelioma.
Due to the latency period of diagnosis people commonly believe that mesothelioma is an “old person” problem which is simply not true. The average age of mesothelioma patients is steadily decreasing. A prime example of that is Heather Von St. James, an 11-year mesothelioma survivor. Heather was just 36-years-old when she was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. She was a strong young woman who had the battle to fight for her young family. Heather and her husband Cameron had just welcomed their first child three months prior to her diagnosis. Heather was exposed to the deadly asbestos dust through her father's jacket. Like many kids Heather was infatuated with her father and would wear the coat he wore at work when doing her outside chores. She was breathing in the dust for years. Exposure at a young age, like what Heather experienced, is extremely problematic as a child exposed to asbestos is 3.5 times more likely than a 25-year-old to develop mesothelioma.
[caption id="attachment_27073" align="aligncenter" width="618"]
Heather and Lily[/caption]Thankfully Heather’s story is not over - she’s alive and well today thanks to fast-acting medical professionals who were able to try advanced treatments options and remove her cancer impacted lung. Heather underwent an extrapleural pneumonectomy on February 2, 2007. Heather’s treatment involved removing her left lung, the cancerous pleura, her diaphragm, and the lining of her heart, replacing the latter two with surgical gore-tex. Her chest cavity was then bathed with a heated chemotherapy solution. She and her sister jokingly nicknamed the day LungLeavin’ Day and they continue to celebrate her new lease on life on that date each year. Thanks to this risky procedure Heather has been able to watch her daughter, Lily-Rose, grow up.
What are the treatments for Mesothelioma?
The most common treatments for mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Often these three treatment options are used in tandem with the hopes of getting better results more quickly than would be gained through one single treatment option. Advancements have also been made in recent years with immunotherapy options that have been aiding patients in their fight for their lives.
Immunotherapy involves increasing the patient's own immune system which in turn aides their body as it battles the disease. Other experimental options include gene therapy and photodynamic therapy.
To maintain the stamina needed to battle against the disease when undergoing these treatments many cancer patients find solace in working out, whether they are regular gym dwellers or only walked into a gym once in their life prior to diagnosis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults exercise at least 2.5 hours a week - this recommendation extends to cancer patients. Studies have shown that physical activity can decrease the risk for certain cancers - even more, there are new studies showing that regular exercise can also improve overall health and quality of life for those already diagnosed.
Studies have shown that physical activity can decrease the risk for certain cancers - even more, there are new studies showing that regular exercise can also improve overall health and quality of life for those already diagnosed. The symptoms of treatment are often intense and anything that can be done to lessen the burden felt by the person in treatment is worth a shot. Exercise can reduce the symptoms associated with their cancer treatments including fatigue, nausea and aerobic capacity. These symptoms are often a barrier to an active lifestyle, let alone an exercise routine, but once that first push is made there would be an immediate change in energy levels. The exercise can, and will, lead to a more enjoyable day to day life.
The symptoms of treatment are often intense and anything that can be done to lessen the burden felt by the person in treatment is worth a shot. Exercise can reduce the symptoms associated with their cancer treatments including fatigue, nausea and aerobic capacity. These symptoms are often a barrier to an active lifestyle, let alone an exercise routine, but once that first push is made there would be an immediate change in energy levels. The exercise can, and will, lead to a more enjoyable day to day life.
As with all cancer, the prognosis is impacted by multiple factors. Some factors patients are not able to control - such as their age, location, and the stage of the disease - but making healthful decisions is within their control. Taking ownership and having the ability to change one aspect of their disease can be a concrete goal to work towards when many things are out of their control.
What you Need to Know about National Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Connect with the Author and join the Twitter Chat
Like many survivors Heather has since become a patient advocate, educating people on the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma. Heather works hard year-round to raise awareness of the horrific, yet preventable disease. September 26 is Mesothelioma Awareness Day, the one day a year mesothelioma gets put in the spotlight. Heather will be discussing the progress made toward ending mesothelioma on Twitter via a tweet chat at 12 p.m. EST. Join her, and the discussion surrounding the disease by using the hashtag #EndMeso.
