Perhaps there is no greater honor than to serve one’s beloved country. Unfortunately however, our veterans, particularly those of the navy, are being stricken by the awful cancer mesothelioma. What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the pleural lining of the lungs and other internal body structures. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Many veterans will wonder why they are affected by this disease more than the average public. The reason for this is because of the abundance of asbestos that was used in naval vessels. Asbestos was used to insulate boilers, piping, and hull constructions. Many of those which worked with or in the vicinity of these fixtures have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. If you have questions about your own asbestos history or mesothelioma treatment regimens, please visit Mesothelioma.com.

The brave men who served our country in the navy certainly faced a plethora of occupational dangers including asbestos cancer . One of the less understood hazards is that of asbestos exposure on naval ships, as previous exposure to this toxin is the only known cause of malignant mesothelioma, a fatal type of cancer.

Although servicemen and women in every branch of the military were most likely exposed to asbestos, navy personnel are considered to be at a heightened risk of exposure, most especially those who served in World War II. Prior to asbestos-usage regulations put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the early 1980s, asbestos was extremely popular due to its excellent insulating capabilities and could be found in piping insulation and in the floor and ceiling tiles on naval ships. If the asbestos-containing products are damaged by the aging or corrosion process, or by fire or explosion, tiny asbestos fibers can be released into the air and subsequently inhaled by military personnel. Upon inhalation, asbestos fibers can remain in the pleural lining of the lungs for decades before an individual may begin to suffer from symptoms commonly associated with mesothelioma, including lingering cough and chest pain.

Naval personnel who may have been exposed to asbestos while protecting our country may one day receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, and at that point, it is too late. Less than 1% of mesothelioma sufferers survive this disease, and the majority will lose their battle with mesothelioma cancer in less than 2 years following their diagnosis. It is advisable for all military personnel to consult with a physician to assess their risk of one day developing this debilitating and aggressive form of cancer. There are mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, but there is presently no cure.

The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is the web’s leading resource for information regarding navy veterans and asbestos exposure, mesothelioma cancer, and more. Please visit www.maacenter.org for important health information.