Considering there are hundreds of types of cancer, you can be forgiven if your knowledge about the dreaded disease isn’t as deep as you’d like.
One type of cancer you more likely than not haven’t heard of is mesothelioma. While it’s not as well-known as other more common types, it is a very aggressive disease with low life expectancy rates. The problem is that most people with the disease aren’t diagnosed until the cancer is in advanced stages. By then, there’s little doctors can do. It’s rare for someone with mesothelioma to live past 18 months after a diagnosis.
Your chances of getting mesothelioma are thankfully low — the CDC says there were 2,803 reported cases in the U.S. in 2021. But they can skyrocket if you’re not careful.
Keep reading to see three things everyone should know about mesothelioma.
1. Mesothelioma is Caused by Asbestos Exposure
You can reduce your odds of getting mesothelioma by avoiding exposure. The problem, however, is that exposure can occur without you even knowing it…until it’s too late. When the U.S. introduced a partial asbestos ban in 1989, home builders were no longer allowed to use materials containing asbestos in home construction.
But that also means there are many homes built before the ban that may have products with asbestos. If these asbestos-containing products are left alone, the risk of exposure is relatively low. The risk doesn’t drop to zero, however, since the products can break down over time.
However, if the products are interfered with — like ripping out insulation or ceiling tiles containing asbestos — the asbestos fibers can become airborne. If these airborne asbestos fibers are breathed in and embedded into the lungs, the risk of health issues will go up. All it takes is a single exposure to face the risk of getting mesothelioma.
In addition to mesothelioma, you may face the risk of developing lung cancer or asbestosis because of asbestos exposure. Contact your doctor immediately to undergo tests in the event you suspect exposure.
2. Mesothelioma Symptoms
It’s also essential to understand mesothelioma symptoms so you know when to call your doctor. One problem with the symptoms, however, is that they aren’t necessarily specific to the cancer.
Symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic the symptoms of other health conditions. For instance, chest pain, shortness of breath, and extreme fatigue can point to many health conditions. So, you don’t want to worry if you experience any of these symptoms. See your doctor, let them know your concerns, and get whatever tests your doctor recommends.
3. Mesothelioma Can Take Decades to Develop
It can take decades for mesothelioma symptoms to materialize. Many people diagnosed with the disease learn that they have mesothelioma in one of the later stages. That’s one reason to prioritize regular checkups and to report any issues to your doctor. Some mesothelioma symptoms might not seem all that serious, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.
By the time most people are diagnosed, too much time has passed. A doctor will have a harder time treating a patient whose cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.
It’s not unheard of for someone to have a life expectancy of 10 years after being diagnosed, but those rare cases typically involve people who were diagnosed early. Remember that mesothelioma is aggressive, so you don’t want to give it too much time unaddressed. It can wreak havoc.
For a disease as rare as mesothelioma, it sure does pack quite the punch in terms of impact. Avoiding asbestos exposure is the best way to reduce the risk of getting the disease.