Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Keerthana Ramasamy
Dec 22, 2023 By Keerthana Ramasamy
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala
Join hands and show support for Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26.

Where is Mesothelioma Awareness Day observed?

Mesothelioma Awareness Day is observed nationally in all states of the US.

Who is Mesothelioma Awareness Day observed by?

It is a nation-specific awareness day created to educate people about the deadly mesothelioma disease caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers and its effects in the US. 

When did Mesothelioma Awareness Day first start?

The day was first observed by the Meso Foundation in 2004 to raise funds for mesothelioma research. Later, in 2010, the US Congress commemorated September 26 as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

Who started Mesothelioma Awareness Day?

The first Mesothelioma Awareness Day was started by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) in 2004.

History And Timeline

Every year in the US, approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma. The annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day is observed in September. Let's learn some facts about mesothelioma and its diagnosis.

Traces Of Mesothelioma

The earliest records of mesothelioma trace back to 1767. It was limited because of the small number of cases. In 1909, J.G. Adami coined the term 'mesothelioma' to classify this rare cancer.

1909

Knowledge About Asbestosis

It was identified that mesothelioma was linked to asbestos exposure in the '40s. By the mid-'50s, scientists determined that there was likely a strong link between asbestos and lung cancer. Later in the '60s, mesothelioma, the most commonly known asbestos-related cancer, was discovered.  

'60s

Founding Of Day

In 2004, members of the Meso Foundation, who are the backbone of mesothelioma research, worked effortlessly to bring attention and funding to the asbestos disease. One such effort is Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

2004

Disease Study

In 2006, the National Institutes of Health reported to Congress that mesothelioma disease is difficult to detect, diagnose, and treat. And around the world, an estimated 38,400 people die each year from the devastating asbestos illness.  

2006

Official Announcement

Though Meso Foundation and supporters had observed this day for 17 years, the US Congress commemorated the holiday on September 26, 2010.

2010

Traditions And Customs

Just as breast cancer is represented by the color pink, Meso Awareness Day is often represented by the color blue or pearl. On this day, it's an annual tradition to wear blue, and the newly available Meso Foundation franchise is a blue facemask.

Join the Meso Foundation in their 'Paint the World Mesothelioma Blue' campaign to raise awareness of asbestos diseases and diagnoses. Buy shirts, masks, and wristbands, and share photos on social media to show your support to Meso.

Update your profile pictures with a frame using a mesothelioma awareness banner that can be found on 'Mesothelioma Hub' to help spread awareness on social media.

Ways To Observe Mesothelioma Awareness Day

The best thing you can do to observe the day is to organize or attend an official mesothelioma awareness event conducted in your local mesothelioma community. There are various awareness events like a 3 mi (5 km) walk or run, golf tournaments conducted in memory of mesothelioma victims, and many more.

Catch up on the Mesothelioma Awareness Month series: 'The Mesothelioma Journey.' Each week, a specialist or veteran shares their journey, beginning with exposure and ending with survival.

Donate to the applied research foundation to eradicate mesothelioma, support mesothelioma patients, and spread awareness of its impacts and root causes. If you are affected by asbestos, seek legal counsel, not only for yourself but also for fellow and future sufferers.

Facts And Stats

  • A trusted mesothelioma diagnosis report stated that over 3,000 people are affected by asbestos every year in the US and that 25% of these are women.
  • To increase knowledge about asbestos and Mesothelioma Awareness Day, advocates have encouraged mesothelioma patients, their families, caregivers, and friends to participate in Mesothelioma Awareness Month and Mesothelioma Awareness Week.
  • Every year on Meso Awareness Day, the foundation conducts a Mesothelioma Awareness Scholarship Contest, where students are requested to submit essays sharing their own experiences with mesothelioma. The essay must cover the efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos.
  • Meso Awareness Day is honored by wearing mesothelioma awareness ribbons, pins, bracelets, wristbands, and shirts.
  • Mesothelioma Awareness Day is also known as Meso Awareness Day.

What color ribbon is for mesothelioma?

Blue is the color of mesothelioma awareness, and supporters are encouraged to wear blue awareness wristbands or ribbons.

Is mesothelioma considered cancer?

Yes, it is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most of the internal organs (mesothelium).

Has anyone ever been cured of mesothelioma?

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, nor is it considered preventable cancer. However, there are some cases where a person has been able to live past their life expectancy. Progress in the treatment through clinical trials has given hope to a lot of people who wish for fewer health risks and a complete cure eventually.

What is the significance of Mesothelioma Awareness Day?

The day offers a chance to educate people about asbestos disease and help prevent more people from being exposed to asbestos.

How is Mesothelioma Awareness Day different from World Cancer Day?

Meso Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness of the deadly form of cancer, mesothelioma. World Cancer Day creates awareness of various preventable and non-preventable cancers globally.

What is the history and origin of Mesothelioma Awareness Day?

The day's origin was in 2004 when the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation conducted an awareness campaign and fundraising events to treat and research mesothelioma.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, September 26, 2020
  • Sunday, September 26, 2021
  • Monday, September 26, 2022
  • Tuesday, September 26, 2023
  • Thursday, September 26, 2024

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Sources

https://www.curemeso.org/get-involved/get-involved-events/mesothelioma-awareness-day/

https://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/mesothelioma-awareness-day/

https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/awareness/

https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-awareness-day/

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Written by Keerthana Ramasamy

Bachelor of Engineering specializing in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Keerthana Ramasamy picture

Keerthana RamasamyBachelor of Engineering specializing in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

With a background in electrical and electronics engineering from Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Keerthana brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to her role as a content writer. Her natural curiosity and passion for exploring new career paths led her to the exciting world of content marketing, where she has honed her content optimization, SEO, and Google Analytics skills. Keerthana's experience as a Content Marketing Specialist at GetMyUni has provided her with hands-on experience in digital marketing and editing, allowing her to create engaging and impactful content.

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Fact-checked by Amatullah Gulbargawala

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah Gulbargawala picture

Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts

Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.

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