The Myths and Facts of Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It can be found in the ground, in its raw form. It is fire-retardant, and is used in insulation, clothing and fire-resistant materials. The fibers released from asbestos lodge in the Mesothelioma lining of the lung, and can cause cancer or other Asbestos Related Diseases (ARDs).
Initially people are unaware of the damaging done to their body until revealed through tests such as X-Rays, MRI test and CAT scans.

Myth: Nothing can be done after a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. There is no cure, but medicines can help with quality of life, and symptoms.

Myth: Get any asbestos out of the work place or the home immediately! Actually, a quick removal by untrained people can cause more risk than leaving them there. Never let anyone touch the asbestos unless you see their certicate, and verify it through the local authority.

Myth: Smoking makes the disease more aggressive. There are many cases of people who smoked while being exposed to asbestos without developing malignant tumors. And, there are many cases of people with aggressive cancer who never smoked a single cigarette in their lives.

Myth: There is no 'safe period.' People think they are safe after 20, 30, or 40 years. This is not true. People need to take their exposure seriously, no matter how long ago they were exposed.

Myth: Chrysotile is NOT a safe form of asbestos.

Myth: People working in mines and asbestos dumps, are the only people at high risk.

Myth: Staying close to a person suffering from mesothelioma is contagious. You cannot get Mesothelioma cancer or other ARDs by staying with a patient.