Mesothelioma Awareness Day Date in the current year: September 26, 2024

Mesothelioma is a cancer that effects the mesothelium, a thin tissue membrane that lines the cavities around several internal organs: the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. This type of cancer most commonly affects the pulmonary pleurae, i.e. the lining of the lungs and the inside of the chest wall.

The cause of more than 80% of mesothelioma cases is exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring silicate mineral that has been found to be toxic. Although the mining and use of asbestos is illegal in most developed countries, many developing countries still use it as a building material. In addition, many old building across the world already have asbestos, and people who work in them are exposed to the toxic mineral. Other risk factors include SV40 infection and genetics.

Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed after the age of 65; the five-year survival rate after the diagnosis is around 8% in the United States. This type of cancer is generally resistant to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and surgery is unlikely to help much either. Due to this, mesothelioma typically has a poor prognosis, especially in older men.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day (MAD) was established in 2004 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a non-profit organization created to bring more attention to mesothelioma, fund treatment research, and eventually end mesothelioma and related suffering. The main goal of Meso Awareness Day is to raise awareness of mesothelioma, demonstrate support for meso patients, their families and caregivers, and help to raise funds for meso research.

In 2010, Meso Awareness Day achieved official recognition when it was recognized as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day by the United States Congress. However, the word “national” is often dropped from the name of the observance because MAD events have been organized outside of the United States.

Every year on September 26, meso patients, their families, caregivers, doctors, and other members of the mesothelioma community work together to educate the general audience about this rare cancer, increase awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and raise funds to find better treatments and eventually a cure.

The easiest way to observe Meso Awareness Day is to wear a blue awareness ribbon or bracelet and spread awareness on social media with the hashtags #MesotheliomaAwareness Day, #MesoAwarenessDay and #MSD. You can also participate in one of the many MSD events (some of them are virtual, so it doesn’t matter where you live) and donate to an organization that funds mesothelioma research and/or supports meso patients.

If you’re a member of the mesothelioma community, share your story with others (of course if you’re comfortable enough to do it) to give newly diagnosed meso patients and their families hope and strength to fight the disease.