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