It’s amazing how some of the small things in life can cause such a big problem. The opposite can also be true. A small thing can cause something big and good to come about. In the case of cancer, it is tiny little cells that cause a tremendous problem within the body. These cells multiple […]
Asbestos Fibers and Meso Read More »
The actual number of deaths caused by malignant mesothelioma is very hard to obtain in the United States. This is because Federal health officials had not begun tracking or recognizing mesothelioma as a cause of death until 1999. This means that a large number of deaths related to asbestos and mesothelioma were misdiagnosed and classified
Mesothelioma death rates Read More »
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the lining surrounding internal organs in the body. There are three types of mesothelioma. The most common, accounting for about 70% of cases, is pleural mesothelioma that affects the lining surrounding the lungs and internal chest cavity. Mesothelioma can also affect the
Understanding Mesothelioma Read More »
When beginning to learn about cancer clusters it is important to know the facts about cancer itself. Cancer is the growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body and if left untreated it can often result in death. There are more than 100 types of the disease and it can attack any part of
There is some understanding of the etioloy, but the basis for mesothelioma formation is unknown. Asbestos is inert in natural rock form. For it to be hazardous, it must be turned into fine flakes of dust that can be inhaled. So there is a risk in mining, milling, and abatement activities with friability. Respirators make
Asbestos Toxicology Read More »
In the United States occupational lung disease is the number one cause of on-the-job illness. This disease tops the list both in frequency and severity yet is, in almost every case, preventable. Over 20 percent of men worldwide have been exposed to some type of dangerous occupational irritant that may cause cancer and 5 to
Cancer clusters are not common in the United States and determining the existence of such a cluster is extremely difficult. The vast array of cancers coupled with the large quantity of new cases, make cancer a very common disease. The significance of cancer clusters should not be dismissed however there are very few proven cases
Summary of Cancer Clusters Read More »
Each year approximately 1,000 cases of possible cancer clusters are reported. Of these cases only 5% to 15% are investigated after the initial report. The bulk of the cases are clearly not cancer clusters and researchers can eliminate the possibility with just a bit of research. Out of the 5% to 15% of cases that
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A well-known cancer cluster was discovered in the 1960s and continues to be studied today. The use of asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was prevalent in factories, shipyards and building products throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Many individuals who were exposed to asbestos on the job developed a disease known as mesothelioma. Many individuals also
Cases of Cancer Clusters Read More »
Heredity and environment are the main contributing factors to the development of cancer. Epidemiologists focus on these two areas when studying cancer clusters. Behavior and lifestyle also contribute to cancer risks so they are also included when studying environment. To establish a connection between an environmental risk factor and a genetic predisposition is difficult. Scientists
Heredity and Environment in Relationship to Cancer Clusters Read More »