Introduction
Welcome, dear readers, to this article about the Walk for Mesothelioma 2019. This event, which takes place annually, aims to raise awareness of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the 1980s. Despite being banned in many countries, asbestos is still present in many buildings and products, and people continue to be diagnosed with mesothelioma every year.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Walk for Mesothelioma 2019, including its date and location, its purpose and significance, and how you can participate or support it. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about mesothelioma, its causes, symptoms, and treatments, and provide you with some useful resources and contacts if you or someone you know has been affected by this disease. Our goal is not only to inform you but also to inspire you to take action and join the fight against mesothelioma.
What is the Walk for Mesothelioma 2019?
The Walk for Mesothelioma 2019 is a fundraising and awareness-raising event organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) in partnership with local communities, organizations, and individuals. The walk is held in various cities across the United States during September, which is National Mesothelioma Awareness Month. The aim of the walk is to honor and support mesothelioma patients, survivors, and their families, and to raise funds for research, education, and advocacy efforts to prevent, detect, and treat mesothelioma.
Date and Location of the Walk
The Walk for Mesothelioma 2019 will take place on Saturday, September 28th, at 9:00 am. The walk will begin and end at Battery Park, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, New York City. The course will cover a distance of 2.5 miles along the scenic Hudson River Greenway, with views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of Lower Manhattan. Participants can register online or on-site, and the registration fee is $30 per person or $90 per team of four. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and a wristband, and will have the opportunity to carry a sign or banner to honor or remember a loved one affected by mesothelioma.
Purpose and Significance of the Walk
The Walk for Mesothelioma 2019 has several important purposes and significance:
- To raise awareness of mesothelioma and its causes, symptoms, and treatments, among the general public, the media, and policymakers.
- To provide support and hope to mesothelioma patients, survivors, and their families, by connecting them with each other, with healthcare providers, and with advocacy groups.
- To raise funds for innovative and promising research projects that aim to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mesothelioma, and ultimately to find a cure for this disease.
- To promote the public health and safety by advocating for stricter regulations and standards for the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, and for the protection of workers and consumers from asbestos exposure.
How to Participate or Support the Walk
You can participate or support the Walk for Mesothelioma 2019 in several ways:
- Register as a walker or a team leader, and invite your friends, family, and colleagues to join you.
- Donate to the MARF or to a specific walker or team, and help them reach their fundraising goals.
- Sponsor the event or volunteer your time and skills to help with the organization, promotion, or logistics of the walk.
- Spread the word about the walk on social media, through email, or by word of mouth, and encourage others to learn about mesothelioma and support the cause.
Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers and protects the internal organs of the body. Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction, insulation, and manufacturing industries until the 1980s. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can penetrate the mesothelium and cause inflammation, scarring, and tumor growth over time. Mesothelioma can take several decades to develop, and its symptoms are often similar to those of other respiratory or digestive diseases, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
Causes of Mesothelioma
The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which can occur in several ways:
| Source of Asbestos Exposure | Description |
|---|---|
| Occupational | Workers in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, mining, and manufacturing, were often exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers through their work with asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, pipes, tiles, and cement. |
| Environmental | People who lived or worked near asbestos mines or factories, or who were exposed to asbestos dust or fibers in their homes, schools, or public buildings, may have also developed mesothelioma. |
| Secondary | Family members of workers who brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes or skin, or who were exposed to asbestos in the household or neighborhood, may have also developed mesothelioma. |
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer, but may include:
- Persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or throat pain
- Abdominal pain, swelling, or bloating
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fatigue, fever, or weight loss
These symptoms may be mistaken for other respiratory or digestive diseases, and may not appear until 20 to 50 years after the asbestos exposure. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos, even if no symptoms are present.
Treatments for Mesothelioma
The treatments for mesothelioma depend on several factors, such as the stage and location of the cancer, the age and health of the patient, and the availability of medical resources. The main treatments for mesothelioma are:
- Surgery to remove the affected tissue, such as the lung or the pleura, or to relieve symptoms, such as pain or breathing difficulties.
- Chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor, using drugs that are injected or taken orally.
- Radiation therapy to destroy the cancer cells or reduce their growth, using high-energy rays that are directed at the affected area.
- Immunotherapy to boost the immune system’s ability to fight the cancer, using drugs that stimulate or enhance the natural defense mechanisms of the body.
These treatments may be used alone or in combination, and may have side effects or risks, such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, or infection. Therefore, it is important to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment option with your medical team, and to make informed decisions based on your individual needs and preferences.
FAQs about Mesothelioma
1. What is mesothelioma, and how is it different from other types of cancer?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers and protects the internal organs of the body. Unlike other types of cancer that may originate in a specific organ or tissue, mesothelioma can occur in several locations, but most commonly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the heart (pericardial mesothelioma), or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).
2. What causes mesothelioma, and who is at risk of developing it?
Mesothelioma is caused b
y exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the 1980s. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can penetrate the mesothelium and cause inflammation, scarring, and tumor growth over time. The risk of developing mesothelioma depends on several factors, such as the duration and intensity of the asbestos exposure, the size and shape of the asbestos fibers, the age and health of the person exposed, and the presence of other risk factors, such as smoking or genetic mutations.
3. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma, and how is it diagnosed?
The symptoms of mesothelioma may include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, throat pain, abdominal pain, swelling, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, or weight loss. These symptoms may not appear until 20 to 50 years after the asbestos exposure, and may be mistaken for other respiratory or digestive diseases. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you have been exposed to asbestos, even if you have no symptoms. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed through various tests, such as imaging scans, blood tests, biopsies, or thoracoscopy.
4. Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but there are various treatments and therapies available that can help manage the symptoms and extend the survival of patients. The treatments for mesothelioma may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or palliative care, depending on the stage and location of the cancer, the age and health of the patient, and the availability of medical resources. Clinical trials and research studies are also underway to develop new and more effective treatments for mesothelioma.
5. Can mesothelioma be prevented?
Mesothelioma can be prevented by avoiding or minimizing exposure to asbestos. This can be done by taking the following precautions:
- Informing yourself and your employer about the risks of asbestos exposure, and following the safety guidelines and regulations for handling, removing, and disposing of asbestos-containing materials.
- Wearing protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, and suits, when working with or near asbestos-containing materials.
- Keeping your home or workplace well-ventilated and free from dust particles, and using air filters or purifiers if necessary.
- Asking your doctor or healthcare provider if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, and monitoring your health regularly for any signs or symptoms of mesothelioma.
6. What resources are available for mesothelioma patients, survivors, and their families?
There are many resources available for mesothelioma patients, survivors, and their families, including:
- The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF), which provides information, support, and advocacy for mesothelioma patients and their families, and funds research projects to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mesothelioma.
- The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which raises awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure and advocates for asbestos bans and tighter regulations.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI), which provides information and resources for cancer patients and their families, and supports research projects on various types of cancer, including mesothelioma.
- The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, which offers legal and financial assistance to mesothelioma patients and their families, and connects them with expert attorneys and medical professionals.
7. How can I get involved in the fight against mesothelioma?
You can get involved in the fight against mesothelioma by:
- Participating or supporting the Walk for Mesothelioma 2019, or other fundraising and awareness-raising events organized by mesothelioma advocacy groups or local communities.
- Donating to mesothelioma research or advocacy organizations, such as the MARF or the ADAO, or to clinical trials or research studies that seek new treatments and cures for mesothelioma.
- Volunteering your time and skills to help mesothelioma patients and their families, such as by offering transportation, meals, or emotional support, or by sharing your experience and knowledge with others.
- Advocating for stricter regulations and standards for asbestos handling, removal, and disposal, and for the protection of workers and consumers from asbestos exposure, through writing letters, signing petitions, or contacting your elected officials.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article about the Walk for Mesothelioma 2019 and the fight against mesothelioma. We hope that we have provided you with valuable information and insights, and that we have inspired you to join us in raising awareness and funds for this important cause. Mesothelioma is a tragic and preventable disease, and it affects not only the patients and their families but also the society and the environment. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to educate ourselves, to support each other, and to work towards a world without mesothelioma. Let us walk together, not only for mesothelioma, but also for hope, for courage, and for a better future.
Remember, you can make a difference, no matter how small or big your contribution may be. Every step counts, every dollar counts, every voice counts. Let us walk for mesothelioma 2019, and let us walk towards a brighter tomorrow.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. Mesothelioma is a complex and serious disease, and its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention should be guided by qualified healthcare professionals and legal experts. If you or someone you know has been affected by mesothelioma, please seek the advice and support of licensed and experienced professionals, and do not rely solely on the information provided in this article. We are not responsible for any damages, errors, or omissions that may result from the use or interpretation of this information.
