Mesothelioma Awareness Day falls on September 26 each year. It began in 2004 to raise awareness about mesothelioma cancer.
In 2010, Congress officially recognized the day. Supporters include patients, loved ones, researchers, doctors and survivors. Groups working toward a cure often provide social and financial support, too.
Participating in Mesothelioma Awareness Day helps spread awareness. It also raises money for research. People can join by attending events, donating or showing support in other ways. The community also comes together to share experiences and to connect.
The Importance of Mesothelioma Awareness Day
The main goal of Mesothelioma Awareness Day is to teach people about this type of cancer. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Raising awareness is important for many reasons.
- Awareness can lead some people to an earlier diagnosis. Catching mesothelioma early may offer the best prognosis.
- The disease’s long latency period can make diagnosis difficult. In general, mesothelioma develops 10 – 50 years after exposure. Knowing this can help people track their exposure history.
- This cancer can affect many people. More than 20 million people in the United States are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
- Greater awareness of asbestos dangers can help people avoid exposure. This may lower their risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Awareness Day also raises money for important research. This funding helps doctors and scientists improve treatments. It also supports their work to find better ways to diagnose this cancer. These efforts provide hope and may improve outcomes for patients.
How to Take Part in Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Mesothelioma Awareness Day offers many ways to get involved and support the cause. Some people join walks or fundraisers. Others connect with the community or share their support online. Any way you take part, your efforts help the mesothelioma community.
Here are some ways to get involved:
- Attend virtual or in-person events. Throughout September, organizations host events to teach people more about mesothelioma. If there isn’t an in-person event near you, check out a virtual one instead.
- Contact local media. Ask local outlets to cover your community’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day events.
- Donate. Giving to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation helps fund mesothelioma research.
- Dress in blue. Show support for the mesothelioma community and help raise awareness by wearing blue.
- Get a state proclamation. You can ask your state to declare September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
- Join a fundraiser. Check to see if any fundraising walks or other events are happening in your area on this day. If not, consider attending a virtual fundraiser.
- Post on social media. Share photos and stories with the hashtag #curemeso to spread awareness. You can find graphics from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to share online.
- Share your story. Mesothelioma can affect anyone. Telling your story helps challenge assumptions about who it impacts. Join the #MoreThanMeso campaign to take part.
- Visit a Light the World Blue landmark. Buildings across the country light up blue to raise awareness. Keep an eye out in your area. You can also submit a request yourself for a local site to light up blue.
Want more information? Check out the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation website.
Why Mesothelioma Awareness Day Matters
Mesothelioma Awareness Day supports people affected by this disease. It also helps spread the word and raise money for research. Taking part shows care for the community and helps bring progress toward a cure.
