10 Facts About Mesothelioma

1./ Approximately 80 percent of diagnosed cases can be directly linked to a job where asbestos was present.

2./ Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop an asbestos-related disease. However, long-term exposure does indeed increase an individual's possibility.

3./ Mesothelioma is almost only caused by asbestos exposure.

4./ Early detection of the cancer can greatly improve the patient's chances as more treatments are available in the early stages of development.

5./ The average age of a mesothelioma patient has historically been about 65 years old.

6./ Individuals who do not directly work with asbestos can develop mesothelioma through secondary exposure.

7./ Those who worked in industries that made widespread use of asbestos are at high risk for developing mesothelioma. Such occupations include shipyard workers, insulators, construction workers, welders, plumbers, electricians, steamfitters, pipe fitters, boilermakers, railroad workers, chemical plant workers, power plant workers, miners and auto mechanics.

8./ Individuals who live with people who work with asbestos are also at high risk for developing mesothelioma.

9./ Because mesothelioma symptoms do not arise until later stages of development, the majority of mesothelioma patients are diagnosed in a late stage of cancer development.

10./ Many mesothelioma patients are veterans due to the widespread exposure experienced while serving in the Navy or other armed forces.