Senator Calls for Help to Clean Up Town of Libby

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Montana Sen. Jon Testor asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to team up with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to work together to clean up asbestos contamination in Libby, Montana and make the community safe again. More than 200 residents of Libby have died and thousands more are still suffering from asbestos diseases. Residents were poisoned by asbestos from a now-defunct vermiculite mine, and the entire community of Libby is now an EPA Superfund site.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 10:05 AM
Link to this article

New York School Board Hires Environmental Firms to Test Schools for Asbestos

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Patchogue-Medford school board in Long Island, New York agreed to hire three environmental firms to test air quality in district schools in response to allegations of asbestos contamination which has caused a drop in school enrollment, Newsday reports. The school board also authorized an investigation of a resident who acknowledged taking samples of insulation possibly containing asbestos from heating pipes in the district’s Eagle Elementary School.

More Information

Labels: , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 12:03 AM
Link to this article

International Symposium on Mesothelioma Draws Near

Friday, May 29, 2009

The annual International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma is now less than a month away. An annual symposium organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a charitable organization, will bring together international experts in asbestos-related cancers. patients and caregivers June 25-27 in Washington, D.C. to discuss the latest advances in mesothelioma research.

For more information on reserving your spot for one of the largest events concerning mesothelioma, its treatment, and the people involved, please visit the MARF website for
more information.

Labels: , , , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 11:50 PM
Link to this article

Asbestos Linked to Larynx and Ovarian Cancers

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Exposure to asbestos -- long associated with cancers of the lungs -- has been shown to cause some cancers of the ovary and the larynx as well, Cancer Research UK reports.

An international team of World Health Organization scientists writing in the journal Lancet Oncology said that people who have been exposed to asbestos are 1.4 times more likely to develop cancer of the larynx than those who had never been exposed.

Dr. Alison Ross, Cancer Research UK's senior science information officer said, "We already know asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma and this adds two more cancer types to the list."

Cancer Research UK Report

Labels: , , , , ,

posted by Your Attorney at 5:09 PM
Link to this article

Canadian Expert Surprised Over Delay in Publishing Asbestos Study Findings

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The chair of an expert panel commissioned by Health Canada to study the relationship between exposure to chrysotile asbestos and forms of cancer said he was surprised by the Canadian government's delay in publishing the panel’s findings, the Canadian Medical Association Journal reported.

Exposure to chrysotile asbestos, the predominant asbestos fiber used today, has a strong relationship with lung cancer and some connection to other forms of cancer, the panel found, backing the conclusion of previous studies.

Canada is the fifth-largest exporter of chrysotile asbestos in the world.

Canadian Medical Association Journal Report

Labels: , ,

posted by Your Attorney at 5:01 PM
Link to this article

New Mesothelioma Treatment Shows Promise

Friday, May 22, 2009

NeoPlas Innovation, a clinical cancer treatment and research firm located in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced that a combination of the cholesterol medicine lovastatin and a low-dose of interferon has shown favorable results in fighting mesothelioma.

The patient was a woman who was exposed to asbestos in childhood. When she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it had already filled most of the chest space where her right lung had been. According to NeoPlast, two months after starting treatments, a CT scan showed that the cancer had stabilized and the largest of the tumors had regressed significantly in size.

It's still too early to draw full conclusions on the treatment because the testing is still in the early phases with only one patient so far.

NeoPlas is still accepting patients for the combination treatment.

For more breaking news on mesothelioma treatment, general information, and forum discussions, please visit Mesotheliomahelp.net.

Labels: , , , , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 9:41 AM
Link to this article

Eli Lilly to Reveal Study Data on Mesothelioma Drug Treatments

Monday, May 18, 2009

Eli Lilly and Company will reveal the data from their latest research findings involving their mesothelioma and cancer treatment drugs, Alimta, Gemzar, and enzastaurin, an investigational drug. These studies are among more than 50 to be unveiled at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando, FL. The results will reveal the effectiveness of these drugs in treating mesothelioma, especially in patients who cannot undergo surgery.

Alimta has been approved the FDA in combination for cisplatin (chemotherapy drug) for the initial treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Gemzar is used along with cisplatin for first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC for whom surgery isn't possible. It is also used to treat patients with pancreatic cancer, metastatic breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

The studies will be presented at ASCO from May 29th to June 2nd 2009.

For more information on mesothelioma, please visit Mesothelioma Help.net.

Labels: , , , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 11:07 AM
Link to this article

Britain's Prime Minister Vows to Tackle Asbestos Crisis

Friday, May 15, 2009

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stated that he will make great efforts to alleviate Britain's asbestos problem, especially in the plagued school systems. PM Brown is no stranger to the devastating effects of asbestos exposure. In 2008, Brown lost his friend Scottish Member of Parliament John MacDougall to mesothelioma.

Advocates for asbestos removal have stated their praise of the PM's words and many believe that he will take his promise to heart because he has personally experienced the pain of mesothelioma.

It will be a great boon for the mesothelioma community if Brown continues to make pushes for asbestos removal. It could mean more funding for mesothelioma and cancer research in Britain as well as continued global awareness.

For more information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, please visit mesotheliomahelp.net.

Labels: , , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 10:41 AM
Link to this article

Swine Flu and Mesothelioma Patients

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

With all the buzz in the media about the recent Swine Flu (H1N1) pandemic, it's easy to think that the disease is right around every corner.

While that may not be the case, it is still very important for mesothelioma patients to take precautions and to monitor their health closely. Radiation and chemotherapy that many cancer patients receive can weaken the immune system and make them more susceptible to diseases such as the H1N1 virus.

If you are a mesothelioma patient, like all other cancer patients, one thing that you've learned is survival. You have most likely been told by doctors that the number one step to fighting a disease is prevention and with the H1N1 virus, the rules are no different. While you're undergoing treatments, make sure to avoid large crowds of people and attempt to stay away from anyone with a fever or other flu symptoms. Remember that good hygiene is very important. Washing your hands before eating or touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can help to prevent the spread of the disease. If you have to come in contact with someone who has symptoms, make sure that they take precations such as a respirator or facemask.

For caregivers, if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms or if you believe you have come in contact with the H1N1 virus, it is best to avoid contact with your patient. If possible, find another trusted caregiver or friend to help you with your role of care. If it is absolutely necessary for you to come in contact with your patient, make sure to use a respirator, not a cheap face mask, as they do not provide the same amount of protection. Also, make sure your hands are sanitized and that you limit the amount of close contact to the minimum amount of time needed to perform your duties.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you believe that you have been exposed or are showing any of flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor.

Visit our website for more information on mesothelioma and patient care.

Labels: , , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 11:49 PM
Link to this article

Bishop Loses Battle with Mesothelioma

Friday, May 8, 2009

The Bishop of Peterborough, Rt Revd Ian Cundy, died on May 7th, 2009 after a two-year battle with mesothelioma.

Bishop Cundy, 64, had recently announced his plans to take an early retirement in July after his chemotherapy treatments had failed to stop the spread of the cancer. No cure for mesothelioma currently exists, but it has been proven that some multimodal treatments that combine traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery along with chemotherapy or radiation, can help to reduce the cancer and slow the spread.

Bishop Cundy was well loved and received in the UK, having been appointed in 1996. He is survived by his wife Jo, three children, and a grandson.

Bishop Frank White will assume the duties of diocesan bishop until a new appointment is made. According to Bishop White,"Bishop Ian was greatly loved in the diocese and around the country for his gentle manner, his warm acceptance of people from all walks of life and all denominations of and traditions within the Christian Church, and for his wise and perceptive counsel."

Once again it has been desmonstrated that mesothelioma affects men, women, and children of every walk of life and that the dangers of asbestos exposure apply not only to the blue collar working man as once believed.

Please visit Mesothelioma Help.net for more information on mesothelioma and new treatment options that are becoming available to combat this deadly disease.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 4:46 PM
Link to this article

Over $10 Billion to Fund National Institutes of Health

Thursday, May 7, 2009

President Barack Obama has proposed nearly a 30% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). $10.4 billion of the $787 billion stimulus fund can find its way to different medical research scientists across the country.

The prospect of this increase in spending has members of the medical research community scrambling to apply for to the NIH for funding for everything from new facilities to increased man power. The NIH is the largest provider of grant money for colleges, universities, and medical research companies in the U.S.

The University of Chicago alone has filed nearly 200 individual applications for increased research funding. Martha O'Connel, a university spokesperson said that the amount requested by the university is almost five times their yearly submission. The university is requesting funds that would be used to study lung tumors, breast cancer, and mesothelioma.

Other organizations are seeking funding to increase research ways to safely test HIV vaccines before they are given to humans.

This increase in spending for the NIH keeps in line with President Obama's desire for health reform. In the past he has announced to seek out a cure for cancer in our time and he officially declared April as National Cancer Control Month. If this trend continues, funding for cancer cures and prevention may continue to see an increase.

For more information on mesothelioma and treatment research, please visit Mesothelioma Help.net.

Labels: , , , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 11:01 PM
Link to this article

Gene Test Predicts Mesothelioma Survival

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

According to the May 6th Journal of the National Cancer institute, a 4-gene expression ratio test accurately predicts survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The study performed by researchers from the Brigham and Women's Hospital, involved 120 patients undergoing surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Multiple samples were gathered either during surgery or through pleural biopsy. Researchers evaluated the test on multiple tumor samples from each patient and used two different gene samples and two different biopsy techniques.

The results were adjusted for other clinical factors and coupled with other mesothelioma prognosis information and patients were categorized into two groups. Patients assigned by the test to the good outcome group had significantly better median overall survival, 31.9 months, compared to the poor outcome group, 6.9 months.

It is hoped that this test will help doctors better determine a prognosis for patients. Patients who have a shorter life-expectancy can be counseled away from surgeries that would not benefit them or their families and allow them time seek hospice or other supportive care. For patients with a higher expectancy, doctors could help them to arrange for more long term treatments and surgeries.

Additional information about mesothelioma research and ongoing studies may be found at Mesothelioma Help.net.

Labels: , , , , , ,

posted by Aaron Phelps at 5:49 PM
Link to this article

Workers' Memorial May Bring Awareness to Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Friday, May 1, 2009

The National Workers Memorial, a memorial dedicated to workers who lose their lives due to work-related injuries or illness, broke ground on April 28, 2009 in the center of the National Labor College campus in Silver Spring, Maryland (MD).

The memorial will be circular in design and surrounded by granite benches. Brick pavers engraved with the names of fallen workers are available for purchase at $125 each. Anyone may purchase a paver to commemorate a family member or friend who lost their life to their job.

The first brick was dedicated by Bricklayers (BAC) President John Flynn to BAC member Louis Mitchell, who died in 2007. The second was from Richard Trumka to honor his father, Frank, a Pennsylvania mine worker, who died in 1999 of black lung disease.

"[This memorial]comes from all of our desires to see that the memories of all fallen workers are forever honored and remembered by each generation of union members, leaders and activists who walk these grounds every day as they have for decades, " said William Scheuerman, president of the National Labor College.

The memorial will hopefully increase awareness about work-related illness such as mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The more that people know about mesothelioma and asbestos, the more precautions that will be taken to protect future workers.

The memorial is expected to be completed in September 2009.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Your Attorney at 8:50 PM
Link to this article

News Categories

image

Contributing Author

Wade Rawlins is a former environmental reporter with the Raleigh News & Observer.

Editorial Board

  • Mike Dayton, Editor
  • Nancy Meredith, Writer
  • Aaron Phelps, Writer
  • Lisa Vaughn, Contributor

Resources For Living

Latest News

News Archives

Get Help Today









TODAY’S DATE: YOUR ONLINE RESOURCE FOR NEWS ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA
ARCHIVES:
Copyright About Mesothelioma.net
Website by Consultwebs.com