As many as 2000-3000 cases of Mesothelioma in the United States are being reported every year. About 80% of these Mesothelioma cases are attributed to the widespread use of asbestos materials by the major industries in the country. In fact, many of the patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma are employees of industries such as auto repair, construction, textiles, shipyard work, farming, railroad, and some types of manufacturing that use asbestos fibers.
When the incidence of malignant Mesothelioma in the country and the rate of death mortality related to the disease took its peak from 1970-1990 it undeniably caught the attention of the public eye. Awareness to the disease increased and the drive for the cause of rallying to fight the plight of the Mesothelioma patients began. At the same time, it gave birth to a number of organizations that spearheaded to advocate such and made use of different means to extend support and help.
A number of organizations have placed themselves in the forefront of research work to find a cure for Mesothelioma. They are challenged and committed to stimulate development and to widen the knowledge about the disease through benchmark clinical studies. In order to do such, a great effort is put into research funding to find effective treatments. Hence, there are successful treatments that were developed to prolong life after a grim diagnosis that can be attributed to several organizations of this nature.
But the work is not solely directed towards funding and research into treatment of this cancer; they also help to support and educate patients. Advices with regards to possible treatments are also being offered and in this aspect their main goal is to provide quality information that helps sufferers and their families cope with their situation. There are counseling sessions being provided to meet individual needs as well. To accommodate a larger audience, there are conferences being held regularly to further address the cause and allow experts to contribute their knowledge about Mesothelioma.
The awareness and education campaign of Mesothelioma applied research foundations and organizations are not limited in addressing the facts about the disease it also aims to help victims know their legal options, right to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit and the whole litigation process. There are some organizations with in-house Mesothelioma lawyer that help in terms of consultation and even litigation. While others assist to find good Mesothelioma lawyers or even recommend those who already successfully handled Mesothelioma cases in the past.
However, Mesothelioma applied research foundations and organizations have a long-term goal of eradicating the disease. Unfortunately, in countries like the US and other parts of North America the cause of the disease which is asbestos is not yet being banned. Public Health advocates led by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the John Macnamara Foundation formed the Committee to ban Asbestos in America to lobby on this issue. They are urging the US Congress and the President to totally ban the use of asbestos in industries in order for laborers to have a safe workplace and at the same time avoid the further spread of the disease. Although, such is long overdue the ADAO and other Mesothelioma organizations continue to seek for the legislation of the banning of asbestos.
Even with the many constraints concerning funding and legal issues on their way, organizations continue to uphold the cause that they have started.
Organizations like ADAO continue to serve as the unifying voice that helps ensure the rights of the victims are protected and fairly represented. Yet, it is important to take note that the battle to fight Mesothelioma is not an effort of a single organization alone. The success for its cause will heavily rely on the collaborative support of doctors, scientists, asbestos trial lawyer and manufacturers, labor unions, drug companies, the victim and families of Mesothelioma and the government.
