The first Sunday of every June is marked as National Cancer Survivors Day, and this annual event celebrates those struggling with all types of cancers, including malignant mesothelioma. Though the days official name gives the impression that it is only meant for those who have lived a certain amount of time past remission, or who are deemed cancer free, the term cancer survivorship actually refers to far more than that. According to Dr. Namrata Patel, Medical Director of New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospitals Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, the term actually refers to anyone with cancer from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Survivorship also takes into consideration the people surrounding the patient spouses, family members, friends, and caregivers who are all affected and play a role in the patients health and well being.

People who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and those who make up their extended circle of family and friends, are significantly impacted as soon as the diagnosis has been made. The situation is immediately infused with a sense of urgency because the prognosis of mesothelioma is so grim most patients succumb to the disease within two years of the time that they are diagnosed. The emotions involved are also heightened by the overwhelming sense of loss and grief, and frequentlyof anger born of the news that the condition could have been prevented. Because mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, in most cases there are companies or employers who were aware of the dangers posed by a workplace or environment but who chose to put profits over people.

The most important thing that people can do to help support those suffering from mesothelioma is to ensure that in addition to medical treatment, they are also receiving the emotional support and resources that they need. At Mesothelioma.net, our Patient Advocates are dedicated to providing mesothelioma victims and their families with answers that can help improve quality of life. For more information, contact us at1-800-692-8608. Were here to help.

Terri Oppenheimer is an independent writer, editor, and proofreader. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Her dreams of a writing career were diverted by a need to pay her bills. She spent a few years providing the copy for a major retailer, then landed a lucrative career in advertising sales. With college bills for all three of her kids paid, she left corporate America for a return to her original goal of writing. She specializes in providing content for websites and finds tremendous enjoyment in the things she learns while doing her research. Her specific areas of interest include health and fitness, medical research, and the law.

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Mesothelioma Patients to be Celebrated on National Cancer Survivor's Day - Mesothelioma.net Blog (blog)