| Mesothelioma is a potent form of cancer that | | | | patient, their families, the doctors, scientists, |
| damages the lining of the lungs, lining of the | | | | advocates, the society, science, the government. |
| abdominal cavity and/or lining around the heart due to | | | | The purpose is to: |
| abnormality in cell growth. It is most often caused | | | | -obtain a broader view of the extent of this disease |
| directly or through secondary exposure to asbestos, | | | | -share research results and study findings |
| which is inhaled by people working in places with | | | | -review progress |
| asbestos via their clothes, skin or hair. | | | | -form an ally on a global scale |
| Unfortunately, treatment is costly and difficult, the | | | | -ally between the federal government, science and |
| life expectancy being no more than two years | | | | the people |
| post-diagnosis. | | | | Previously, obtaining information on mesothelioma and |
| In rare cases, mesothelioma is successfully removed | | | | claiming compensation was a cumbersome process. |
| through surgery if discovered in early stages, which in | | | | Advice involving economic reimbursement such as |
| itself is rare as symptoms show long after the onset | | | | medical costs, lost employment income, lost future |
| of the disease. | | | | income, as well as non-economic damages are issues |
| International Mesothelioma Alliances | | | | dealt by these alliances. |
| That is not to say all hope is lost. Thanks to the | | | | How International Mesothelioma Alliances help |
| international mesothelioma alliances which are waging | | | | research |
| war against asbestos, by promoting awareness and | | | | The international alliances provide infrastructure for |
| encouraging countries worldwide to ban it's use | | | | clinical materials, animal models and pilot funding to |
| where patients, doctors, scientists and NGOs unite to | | | | enable scientists to carry forward their research. |
| stand against this menacing disease. | | | | They build a database for patients with the aim of |
| Patients and/or their family members can become | | | | identifying geographical areas of outreach and |
| members of these international alliances by enrolling | | | | asbestos exposure. They provide information on legal |
| with them. | | | | issues as well as on getting monetary compensation. |
| Objectives of International Mesothelioma Alliances | | | | The research programs are usually funded by donors |
| The main objective of the international mesothelioma | | | | towards non-profit establishments, initiated by these |
| alliances is to offer curative treatment to the | | | | alliances. |
| patients as well as provide relief to them - both | | | | Regular symposiums are organized by the alliances to |
| physically as well as psychologically. They are usually | | | | provide a forum for clinical research to share and |
| non profit organizations. | | | | translate latest research into improved treatment. |
| They bring together a community of people: the | | | | |