The purpose of Mesothelioma Awareness Day is to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos exposure and show support for those battling mesothelioma cancer. Every year on September 26th, we recognize the dangers of asbestos and raise awareness for those suffering from this deadly disease. Mesothelioma advocates across the country will take advantage of the month to talk about the dangers of asbestos and inform the public about the latest in treatment.
Bringing Awareness to Mesothelioma
Approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States every year. In comparison to other diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma is considered rare. Due to this, mesothelioma research and funding are limited. Mesothelioma Awareness Day draws attention to these efforts and helps communities come together and support those in their battle with asbestos-related cancers.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day History
This month holds the 17th annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day, also known as “Meso” Awareness Day. It was established in 2004 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation). Members of this community are the backbone of the mesothelioma movement and work effortlessly to bring attention and funding to this cancer. While the Meso Foundation and other supporters have celebrated this day for 17 years, congress didn’t commemorate the holiday until 2010.
How Does Asbestos Impact Your Community?
Asbestos-related diseases may not be something you think about every day. Mesothelioma can affect anyone as asbestos was widely used until the 1980s and even as recently as 2004.
Mesothelioma deserves more recognition so that people can better understand the dangers of asbestos. Even natural disasters and your favorite DIY projects can put you at risk of encountering asbestos. These members of your community are at risk of occupational asbestos exposure:
- Construction workers: An estimated 1.3 million construction workers come into contact with asbestos every year.
- First responders: First responders are twice as likely to develop mesothelioma.
- Teachers: 17 teachers die every year from mesothelioma.
- Veterans: 30% of yearly mesothelioma diagnoses are our veterans.
Other occupations in your community with risk of asbestos exposure:
- Automotive mechanics
- Electricians
- HVAC workers
- Miners
- Plumbers and pipefitters
- Steelworkers
- Tire and rubber workers
How Can I Help Spread Awareness?
There are plenty of ways you can help spread awareness about the dangers of asbestos.
- Join The Meso Foundation in their “Paint the World Mesothelioma Blue” campaign. You can purchase shirts, masks, and wristbands to show your support. Then join us in taking photos to share on social media. Use the #CureMeso and tag us on Facebook or Twitter so we can check them out!
- Update your Facebook profile picture using our Mesothelioma Awareness banner. Find it by searching “Mesothelioma Hub” when adding a frame to your profile picture.
- Organize or attend an official mesothelioma awareness event and contact your local media.
- Catch up on our Mesothelioma Awareness Month series: “The Mesothelioma Journey.” Each week we followed navy veteran “Allen” and his journey beginning with exposure and ending with survival.
- Download our free mesothelioma guide to share with your community.
Quick Facts to Share on Mesothelioma Awareness Day
- Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma.
- Over 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the U.S. every year.
- 25% of asbestos-related cancer diagnoses are women.
- Navy veterans are at the highest risk of mesothelioma out of all the U.S. Military branches.
- Mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to show symptoms after asbestos exposure.
- The average age of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in the U.S. is 72 years old.
- An estimated 90,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases globally each year.
- 75% of malignant mesotheliomas begin in the chest and around the lungs.