Having a loved one or yourself get a cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing experience and not one for the better. However, cancer diagnoses aren’t all the same, and some can be much more challenging to cope with than others. Mesothelioma is a sporadic, potentially lethal cancer that can be incredibly challenging to deal with. This situation can be incredibly harrowing to deal with, and without ample support, you can struggle to get by.
However, while mesothelioma is incredibly dangerous, it is also equally preventable. There is only one thing that causes mesothelioma, and that is asbestos. Although asbestos is no longer available in many industries, there are still situations where you might unknowingly exposing yourself to this dangerous compound. Asbestos exposure can damage the lining of your lungs and scar your mesothelial cells. If you want to learn more about the causes and prevention of mesothelioma, keep reading below.
Prevention at work
Various work-related situations can cause asbestos exposure. However, after several highly publicized cases, OSHA created several guidelines that would allow employers to limit asbestos exposure. Firstly, employers need to communicate clearly if the job requires any asbestos-related exposure. Furthermore, they need to ensure that employees have access to the best protection gear if the job requires them to work with asbestos. They also need to perform careful monitoring of work conditions to ensure they keep asbestos levels in control.
However, if you feel you have suffered asbestos exposure at work, the best course of action may be to file a mesothelioma claim. Although there exist strict guidelines regarding asbestos exposure at work, many employers often hide the risks from employees. Thus, not only do employees immensely suffer when it comes to their health, but they need to take on hefty financial costs. A mesothelioma claim can let you get the compensation you deserve. Patients and family members alike can file a mesothelioma claim, and this compensation can help you cover treatment costs, living expenses, counseling, and more.
Prevention at home
Your workplace may be asbestos-free, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk of exposure. There are numerous everyday use items and areas that may cause asbestos exposure. Knowing the risks can help you protect yourself and your family. In particular, your home may have high levels of asbestos if the construction took place before 1980, when asbestos-containing products were common. Carrying out renovations without any protection can cause extreme asbestos exposure to yourself and your family. In particular, shingles, wall cladding, pipes, eaves, and fencing may have high concentrations of asbestos.
If you need to have any renovations, it’s best to have a lab test various samples before you begin work. Asbestos particles can linger in the air and on surfaces for an incredibly long time, and simple masks aren’t enough to prevent ingestion. Once the particles enter the airways, they lodge into the mesothelial cells, which can cause inflammation escalating into mesothelioma over time. Keep a close check on known asbestos products for wear and tear, and ensure that you have a professional cleanse the place to prevent mesothelioma.
Health monitoring
If you have suffered asbestos exposure, you won’t develop mesothelioma immediately. Instead, it can take up to 15-20 years before you start seeing the symptoms. The duration and the intensity of asbestos exposure can affect how fast cancer develops, with some forms of mesothelioma taking decades to build. Therefore, it is vital to be diligent about your health if you’ve suffered mesothelioma exposure in the past.
In particular, you need to keep track of any new respiratory issues or chest or abdominal pains. Contrary to popular belief, mesothelioma can spread beyond the lungs and affect the heart, abdomen, and testicles. Blood tests are also vital to ensure early detection and better survival. Furthermore, ensuring a healthy diet rich in antioxidants can help your body strengthen itself and fight off disease. Superfoods, mainly, are immensely beneficial in helping your body fight off free radicals, putting you at a greater risk of developing cancer.
Quit smoking
While we’re all well aware of the health drawbacks of smoking, there is little information on how this damaging habit can increase your risk of developing mesothelioma. Smoking severely damages the lungs and the pleural linings—the effects of asbestos trigger mesothelioma to grow at a much faster pace. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and you’re a regular smoker, you might compound your risk of developing this often fatal disease.
Furthermore, chain smokers are at an increased risk of exacerbating your body’s reaction to asbestos. You may place yourself at a higher risk of developing asbestosis or asbestos-related lung cancer. Quitting to smoke can help you maintain healthier lungs, which can significantly lower your risk of developing mesothelioma.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma can be incredibly challenging to deal with while taking all the necessary steps for prevention can help you save yourself and your family from going through this harrowing journey. Contrary to popular belief, mesothelioma is entirely preventable, while limiting asbestos exposure can reduce the risk of developing this dangerous cancer almost entirely. If you feel you’ve been exposed to asbestos at home or in the workplace, it’s essential to contact professionals to understand how you can move forward and protect your health.
