According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) there are between 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma diagnoses each year in the U.S. and over 10,000 reported worldwide, annually. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, accounting for less than 5% of all cancers. Attorneys at the firm Brown | Kiely, LLP have posted a variety of valuable information to help you understand this disease and how it affects you and your family.
The NCI says, “Those who worked in industries that made widespread use of asbestos are at high risk for developing mesothelioma.” About 80% of mesothelioma cases are traced back to a job that exposed the victim to asbestos, even though this may have been 10-50 years earlier. Most patients aren’t diagnosed until they are in their mid-60s, but this is an average age, meaning that about half are diagnosed at younger ages.
Exposure to asbestos, even in high and frequent concentrations doesn’t automatically mean that a person will develop an asbestos-related disease, though greater exposure increases risk proportionately. Some patients never worked directly with asbestos, but were contaminated indirectly through industrial pollution or personal contact with someone who worked in the industry. Workers left their jobs with asbestos on their bodies and clothing, spreading the fibers accordingly.
If you develop any symptoms of mesothelioma you should see your doctor and make sure he knows of your asbestos exposure. While symptoms can appear similar to the flu, if they don’t subside in a few days, ask to be tested to be sure you don’t have mesothelioma.
Should you receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma, or any asbestos-related disease, seek legal counsel quickly. Statutes of limitations may affect your eligibility to claim damages. Please contact Brown | Kiely, LLP, serving clients in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
