How to Prevent Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that afflicts the tissues lining the body's organs, as well as the spaces in between them. It is one of the more problematic forms of cancer, since symptoms do not often appear until the disease reaches advanced stages. The best way to treat mesothelioma is to prevent its development altogether. That's most effectively accomplished by avoiding exposure to asbestos.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Avoid contact with asbestos at all costs. Asbestos was once used extensively for a variety of purposes (like insulation and mining), and exposure to it is the number-one leading cause of mesothelioma. It is no longer prevalent in the United States, but there are still areas where it may be present, including old apartment buildings and condemned structures built prior to 1989.
2. Ask an expert to come to your home, place of business or wherever you intend to spend a majority of your time to verify there is no asbestos present. Don't attempt to remove the asbestos yourself, but instead hire someone who is qualified and trained in its removal.
3. Do not live with someone who works near asbestos. The fibers of asbestos can be transported via clothing and the skin, making it very easy to spread to other people. Even a few stray fibers are sometimes enough to cause mesothelioma.
4. Be aware that people over the age of 65 are more likely to develop mesothelioma, so be sure to receive regular checkups to keep tabs on your health once you approach and pass that age. Your body has had much more time to accumulate exposure to asbestos.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor about your specific risk of developing mesothelioma, and what factors will play the greatest role in its development. Some people are more apt to develop it than others, but you won't know the answers without consulting a doctor.
• If you are diagnosed with cancer, understand your rights. The Patient's Bill of Rights is filled with guarantees designed to protect you.
• Quit smoking immediately, especially if there is the potential for developing mesothelioma. Both mesothelioma and lung cancer in tandem are incredibly dangerous, and smoking exacerbates both conditions dramatically.
• If you are a loved one are diagnosed with cancer, feelings of anxiety and depression may result. Join a support group or see a therapist to deal with these sometimes crippling emotions.