Advocate for Mesothelioma Research During Lung Cancer Awareness Month

• Joseph Belluck
• Faces of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma

November is lung cancer awareness month, a great time to reflect and work on new ways to spread the message about mesothelioma prevention, lack of funding, and advocacy. Keep in mind that many people do not realize that mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, so the general public may be surprised (just like I was) to learn this devastating fact.

Look for events in your community that you can participate in. Check with local hospitals and doctor’s offices about what they are doing to recognize this month. If they need some help, volunteer to assist them with existing programs, or even ask if you can implement one of your own! If time constraints are too tight this year, start working on something for 2015!

Holding a fundraiser during this month of awareness would tie the message together. It would get the word out about mesothelioma and how much help is needed to work towards better treatments and an eventual cure, as well as raise money for an excellent cause.

This month may also be a great time to put on your advocacy hat and petition your local, state, and national government about laws concerning asbestos and regulations concerning mesothelioma. Get as many people involved as you can and make your presence known; send letters, make phone calls. With this month being recognized, it should be brought to the forefront of the minds of those who can help to put new programs into action.

Remember that any bit of awareness that you can bring to lung cancer and mesothelioma victims, warriors, and their families will make a difference. Reach out and remember our end goal of eradicating this awful disease forever!

Know more about Mesothelioma and how you can deal with it.