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Brother and Sister Skydive for Mesothelioma Research

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Paul and Claire Rawlinson from the UK will skydive in memory of their father and to raise money for the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF), reports the North-West Evening News.

Paul credits his sister with the idea of a organizing a sponsored skydive. While she’s not into participating in extreme sports, he said his sister wanted to do something out of the ordinary to show their commitment to the cause. Paul will fall 3,500 feet in a solo jump and his sister will fall 14,000 feet in a tandem jump. They hope to raise ₤2,000 which is over $3,200 in U. S. currency.

Their father died at the age of 64 of mesothelioma, the deadliest form of lung cancer.

MKMRF raises money to improve awareness about mesothelioma, to fund research for treatment, and to provide support to the people who suffer from this deadly disease.

UK Siblings Skydive for Mesothelioma

Labels: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma
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Asbestos Information For Real Estate Agents

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

When dealing with the public in the housing market it is important that real estate agents know and present the facts regarding asbestos products. Disclosure guidelines require the seller of residential property to provide the buyer with a disclosure statement containing information on the presence or prior removal of asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, with very strong, heat resistant properties, making it appealing for use in many products. Asbestos has been used in the manufacture of heating and domestic water systems including pipes, boilers, gaskets, and tanks, spray-on insulation for fireproofing and acoustical purposes, vinyl and linoleum flooring, and drop-in ceiling tiles. Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are also found in exterior building materials, such as on shingles and roofing products.

Removal of Asbestos for Renovation Projects
Although some localities have local ordinances that require landlords to maintain asbestos in rental properties in good condition, there are no state or federal laws that require the removal of asbestos containing materials from either commercial or residential properties.

Because of the dangers posed from handling asbestos, the real estate agent should advise their clients that if there is asbestos in their home or business, they should not attempt to remove it on their own. Many companies across the United States specialize in the removal of this hazardous substance and should be contracted for the work.

Asbestos Products That Are Safe To Handle
There are some limited ACMs that are safe for a homeowner to handle without requiring support from a specialized asbestos removal company. Improper removal could result in costly health and clean-up costs to the homeowner. Therefore, real estate agents should advise their clients to contact their local Environmental Protection Agency for further information before undertaking any housing renovation project. If a contractor is contacted for the work, they must be a certified asbestos-abatement company.

Items Safe to Remove

Asbestos containing siding in single family homes only.

Asbestos-containing roofing materials, mastics, glues, cements, sealants,coatings, and adhesives

Intact asbestos-containing floor tiles.

Be sure to advise buyers that the asbestos waste generated by these activities must be disposed in a landfill licensed to accept non-friable asbestos.

NOTE: In all cases, asbestos containing pipe and boiler insulation in residential properties must be removed by licensed asbestos abatement contractors.

Supporting The Client
The client and their family’s safety is a real estate agent’s priority, and because asbestos is a potential liability they should err on the side of caution. The following checklist can be used as a reminder of the obligations to a real estate client.

Checklist for Asbestos Safety

Ensure that the appropriate the disclosure statements are provided,

Remind clients to hire only licensed asbestos abatement contractors to remove asbestos containing materials,

Advise clients to contact the appropriate companies and agencies before attempting to remove asbestos containing siding, roofing or floor tiles,

Real estate agents should contact their local asbestos removal companies and agencies if they have any questions on state or federal asbestos regulations.

Labels: Asbestos, Family
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International Symposium on Mesothelioma Draws Near

Saturday, May 30th, 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: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, National News, Patients, Treatments
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New Mesothelioma Treatment Shows Promise

Friday, May 22nd, 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: Asbestos, Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients, Treatments
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Eli Lilly to Reveal Study Data on Mesothelioma Drug Treatments

Monday, May 18th, 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: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients, Treatments
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Britain’s Prime Minister Vows to Tackle Asbestos Crisis

Friday, May 15th, 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: Asbestos, Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News
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Swine Flu and Mesothelioma Patients

Wednesday, May 13th, 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: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients
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Over $10 Billion to Fund National Institutes of Health

Friday, May 8th, 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: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients, Treatments
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Gene Test Predicts Mesothelioma Survival

Tuesday, May 5th, 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: Asbestos, Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients, Treatments
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Workers’ Memorial May Bring Awareness to Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Saturday, May 2nd, 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: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News
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Contributing Author

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

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