With the incidence rate of mesothelioma increasing, people are now rallying politicians at the national level for help in obtaining funds for mesothelioma research. In some cities, such as Libby, Montana, special research facilities have been built to accommodate individuals who can study the disease and provide cutting-edge treatment options for patients.
In 2008, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated $50 million in funding for mesothelioma research, making it a "research priority" for the first time ever. The funds have been made available to research facilities throughout the country and researchers are eligible to receive between $625,000 and $2.5 million for their studies.
The money was provided by the Department of Defense because veterans have been significantly impacted by mesothelioma. This is largely due to the abundance of asbestos that was used by the U.S. armed forces throughout World War I and World War II. Shipyard workers, both military and civilian, have the highest incidence of mesothelioma of any profession.
As more people affected by mesothelioma begin to rally for better research, funds will hopefully continue to grow and mesothelioma doctors will be able to enhance treatments for this disease. Patients and their families can help retain funding for mesothelioma research by contacting local or national politicians by letter, email, or in person, requesting additional money for the study of this aggressive cancer. For a list of charities that contribute funding to help find a mesothelioma cure, please click here.
Sources:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Clinical_Trials_29.asp?sitearea=
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/medical_community/case_studies/
Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
Parker, J. and Parker, P. Mesothelioma. ICON Health Publications: San Diego. 2004.
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