The Department of Defense recently allotted millions of dollars in research grants to find treatments, and a possible cure for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer that afflicts former personnel of the US Navy, along people in other industries. Roughly, thirty percent of mesothelioma patients are veterans. The cancer causes tumors to grow on the delicate lining of major internal organs, such as the heart and lungs. This fatal disease can take two to five decades to manifest in patients, according to doctors and mesothelioma lawyers.
Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling the minute fibers of asbestos, which was highly prized for its fire-retardant properties, and frequently used in ship building among other industries.
Treatment for mesothelioma takes a multi-faceted approach, which can prove to be very expensive for the afflicted individual. In order to offset some of the cost burden, people who contract the disease often turn to mesothelioma attorneys to help them obtain money for their care.
The Department of Defense began awarding research grants in 2008. They will be accepting applications for research grants until November 22, 2011. In the past, they awarded $7 million in research grants that will benefit both military personnel and other people who have developed mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma will kill thousands of people over the next few decades, and although regulations imposed on asbestos has helped prevent some exposure, many people will still contract the fatal cancer. These people often consult with mesothelioma lawyers to seek funds for the pain and suffering they must endure.
