World Cancer Day Can Help Promote Awareness of Mesothelioma
February 17th, 2010
Did you know that February 4, 2010 has been designated World Cancer Day? Begun in 2005 by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), World Cancer Day is a global initiative meant to raise awareness of cancer causes, prevention, research and treatment. Particularly important is educating the public about less-common cancers, such as mesothelioma.
Sometimes referred to as “asbestos cancer,” mesothelioma is often confused with lung cancer, but is actually a different disease. Mesothelioma targets the mesothelium, which is a thin membrane covering and protecting not only the lungs, but the heart and stomach as well. It also lines the thoracic and abdominal cavities, creating a dual layer. Like lung cancer, it can severely inhibit breathing, since one of the effects of mesothelioma is to fill this pleural space with fluid, which in turn makes it difficult for the lungs to fully expand.