Mesothelioma is a relatively rare but very aggressive and deadly form of cancer. This form of cancer starts in the organ linings and will eventually spread to other parts of the body. Individuals exposed to asbestos at work and their immediate family members are among those at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.
Although doctors have gotten much more proficient in diagnosing mesothelioma than in the past, treatment still remains a difficult process. There is no cancer treatment that is known to cure mesothelioma or put patients into a state of remission. Instead, treatments largely focus on extending longevity and improving quality of life.
Workers recently diagnosed with mesothelioma might benefit from the advocacy efforts of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. This organization is helping drive the conversation about mesothelioma and its impact on patients and families while also providing practical support for those battling mesothelioma on a personal or professional level.
What does the Foundation do?
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation provides support for patients and their family members, especially those serving in a caregiver role. The foundation can help people understand the different treatments that are currently available and connect them with social and financial support systems.
It also helps fund crucial research into cutting-edge therapies that could eventually make a major difference in the lives of those with mesothelioma. So far, the Foundation has contributed more than $11 million to global research projects. The organization can also help researchers discover other sources of potential funding, like grants through the Department of Defense and the National Cancer Institute.
For now, accessing those cutting-edge treatments will typically require financial resources from the person in need of care.
How do you cover mesothelioma treatment costs?
Most people won’t develop mesothelioma until somewhere between 20 and possibly as many as 60 years after they work with asbestos. By the time a doctor diagnoses them, they may have retired and transitioned to living on a fixed income. The company that they work for could have gone out of business.
There are multiple options available for those who need compensation because of a mesothelioma diagnosis, including specialized worker compensation funds and possibly civil lawsuits. Connecting with the right resources after a diagnosis of mesothelioma can help patients and their loved ones decide what steps to take next.
