Mesothelioma - The Largest Man Made Epidemic
By Lorraine Kember
It is documented that Australia had the highest per
capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950’s until the
1970’s. As a tragic consequence, Australia now has the highest
per capita incidence of mesothelioma in the world.
With more than 500 Australians contracting mesothelioma
per year, it is estimated that up to 18,000 Australians will die from
this asbestos related cancer by the year 2020.
Despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos,
there are many people who have not heard of Mesothelioma. This asbestos
related cancer is defined as: a malignant spreading tumor of the mesothelium
of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising form the inhalation
of asbestos fibers.
One of the most baffling and frightening known facts
concerning Mesothelioma is that many years may pass, between inhalation
of asbestos dust and its deadly legacy of disease; it is not uncommon
for four decades or more to pass before symptoms due to asbestos dust
inhalation become apparent.
In November 2004, I was an invited speaker at the
Global Asbestos Congress 2004, held in Tokyo Japan. Over 800 participants
from 40 countries around the world were in attendance.
To be a part of such a large gathering of fellow humans,
united in a quest to rid the poison of asbestos from our environments
was an intensely moving experience. Having lost my husband to mesothelioma
I know first hand the suffering this cruel disease places on its innocent
victims.
There were many speakers and each told a tale, of
pain, death and heartache. We listened, we understood and we ached
for the past, present and future victims of the killer asbestos and
its legacy of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.
We listened and we were shocked and angered to learn
that despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos and
the increasing incidence of asbestos related disease, there remains
some countries who are mining asbestos with little or no regard for
their workers or people who will come into contact with asbestos products.
Asbestos disease Association member’s world
wide are working tirelessly and fighting almost insurmountable odds
to ban asbestos from all countries of the world. It is a sobering
and frightening fact, that even if we were successful today in this
quest, the legacy of asbestos related diseases will continue for five
decades.
Add your voice to the many who want this killer product
erased from the worlds environments – Add your voice to the
call that pleads for adequate compensation for victims and their families.
Sign the online petition at Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization:
The Asbestos
Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) continues to raise public
awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the incurable
and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is quickly expanding
and uniting veterans, fire-fighters, shipbuilders, teachers and thousands
of other innocent people around the world. Asbestos Awareness leads
to education, prevention, new treatments and ultimately a cure.
Article written by: Lorraine Kember – Author
of “Lean on Me” Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes. Lorraine’s
book is written from her experience of caring for her dying husband-an
asbestos victim - in the hope of helping others. It includes insight
and discussion on: Anticipatory Grief, Understanding and identifying
pain, Pain Management and Symptom Control, Chemotherapy, Palliative
Care, Quality of Life and Dying at home. It also features excerpts
and poems from her personal diary. Highly recommended by the Cancer
Council. “Lean on Me” is not available in bookstores -
For detailed information, Doctor’s recommendations, Reviews,
Book Excerpts and Ordering Facility - visit her website http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com
