Over 80% of mesothelioma patients are men. Studies show this is because of the increased exposure risk that men experience through occupational hazards. June is National Men’s Health Month. This month helps to raise awareness of health issues that men may face.The Men’s Health Network calls for men to take a more active role in their health. They have worked with Congress to assist in developing a social media campaign.
Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, but many people do not realize that the latency period of mesothelioma is an average of 30 years. Many husbands and fathers help in providing for their families. When they are diagnosed with mesothelioma, they may have to take time off or quit their jobs completely.Studies show that women take twice as many preventative health care visits than men do. This implies that men should be visiting their primary physicians for checkups, not just when they are sick.
With a loss of income, it may become harder to pay the medical bills. However, legal compensation is available to mesothelioma patients.This month gives physicians, the media, and public policy makers the opportunity to encourage men to seek medical advice. It is also an opportunity to inform men to seek early treatment for disease.
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. 90.2% of cases of mesothelioma that occur in men are pleural. There are different treatment options available depending on the stage of the mesothelioma when it is found. Not only are men more likely to develop mesothelioma, but it is more prominent in white, older men (65+).
Men’s Health Month offers many activities to help raise awareness about the different illnesses that can affect men. These activities include awareness walks, community health fairs, and free cancer screenings. Although early detection is not always viable with mesothelioma patients, it is good to have yearly checkups so that markers may be identified and closely followed.