easy entertaining recipes: National Cancer Prevention Month Reminds to Avoid Mesothelioma ...

Saturday, February 11, 2012

National Cancer Prevention Month Reminds to Avoid Mesothelioma ...

Not only is February marked by Valentine?s Day, President?s Day and Black History Month, but it is also National Cancer Prevention Month.

For the nearly 1,596,670 cancer patients and their families, a focus on cancer prevention may likely supersede all other occasions in the month of February.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult things for any individual to deal with, in addition to the countless treatments, medications and follow ups that will be involved.

National Cancer Prevention Month was created to minimize the number of these cancer diagnoses that will occur in the future by educating the public on health issues.

During this period we look at all the causes of cancers and determine how treatments can be better developed. For rare cancers like mesothelioma, caused by asbestos exposures, the discussion should be held about how to minimize or eliminate the root cause of this rare yet deadly disease.

Up to 3,000 people die from this cancer every year, many of whom developed it from occupational exposure, which is primarily preventable.

For diseases like lung cancer, which affects more than 226,000 people a year, there is tremendous opportunity to minimize future cases. With the spotlight on cancer prevention during February, more emphasis will be placed on initiatives and education that teach people about the tools available to prevent various cancers.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 50 percent of all men and 33 percent of all women in the United States will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. This represents a sizable population that will directly or indirectly affect each and every one of us.

Preventing Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma

Lung cancer is a disease that is widespread and not unique to any specific demographic. The primary causes are well understood and should be avoided whenever possible.

That?s not to say people avoid all the causes (smoking, radon and asbestos).

In keeping with National Cancer Prevention Month, we will identify the causes and risk factors of lung cancer and mesothelioma, which will hopefully promote and encourage potential cancer patients to take steps in the right direction.

Smoking accounts for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer cases. The toxic smoke from cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, marijuana and other products can greatly contribute to your risk of developing lung cancer.

Cigarettes account for the vast majority of these cases. There are over 7,000 toxic chemicals contained within cigarettes, 69 of which are known carcinogens, or cancer causing agents.

Reducing or eliminating your smoking of cigarettes and other products will minimize your risk of developing this disease.

Asbestos exposure is another known cause of lung cancer that accounts for approximately four percent of these cancer cases. Exposure to this toxic material can occur in multiple ways but most commonly occurs in an occupational environment.

By working in industries such as construction, mining or manufacturing, you are likely at an increased risk. Because asbestos was also used in construction materials within homes built in earlier decades, it is also possible to be exposed at home.

Properly testing for it, and performing asbestos abatement if necessary, can be one of the best ways to minimize your risk of developing lung cancer.

Another cancer that should be recognized during National Cancer Prevention Month is mesothelioma. This rare disease is a cancer of the lining of the lungs and is almost exclusively a result of asbestos exposure.

The first official diagnoses came during the mid-1900s, when doctors began seeing respiratory illnesses from patients who seemingly all worked within similar industries.

This cancer is considered extremely aggressive and is notable for limiting life expectancy between four and 18 months after diagnosis. The best method for preventing mesothelioma altogether is by reducing your exposure to asbestos and similar toxins.

This can be accomplished by ensuring that your workplace is not tainted with asbestos, in addition to understanding your risk at home.

Despite the fact that National Cancer Prevention Month is only designated for the month of February, the practice educating people about cancer prevention should occur throughout the entire year.

Limiting the right decisions to only 28 days throughout the year will not solve the problem. Through organizations like the Mesothelioma Cancer Center, education about preventative measures can be learned at any times through the website or free support resources.

Learn More About Cancer Treatment

If you already have developed lung cancer or mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, you need to receive the proper treatment from specialized doctors.

Complete the form on this page to receive an information packet with details about cancer treatments and doctors who can help you with your disease.

Mark joined the Mesothelioma Center as a writer in 2011. Prior to joining the content team, Mark graduated from the University of Florida and then spent several years writing about business, entrepreneurship and technology for various online publications.

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