During World War II, the US military used asbestos to mass-produce ships and build the largest fleet in the world to support the war effort. Asbestos is incredibly durable, resistant to heat, and has fantastic insulating properties, so it’s not really a surprise that the military chose this material.
However, asbestos is also known to pose serious health risks; its fibers can easily become airborne and, if inhaled, can accumulate in the lung, leading to severe health issues, including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Due to their service-related exposure to asbestos, Navy veterans are at a higher risk of developing this vicious disease, and we’re here to discuss the disease, its impact, and the resources available to them.
Understanding Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that’s caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers, which can become lodged in the mesothelial cells lining the lungs or abdomen. Over time, these accumulated fibers cause inflammation and genetic changes that lead to cancer.
The connection between navy veterans and mesothelioma is closer than some may think. Navy veterans are particularly vulnerable to mesothelioma due to the heavy use of asbestos in ships and shipyards, even today. This also implies prolonged asbestos exposure, especially in confined spaces like ship engine rooms and crew quarters.
Not only that, any work done on ships in the shipyard often involved handling some form of asbestos, which would disturb its particles and make them airborne. Every shipyard worker, sailor, machinist’s mate, boiler technician, pipefitter, and fireman was at great risk of asbestos exposure. This includes everyone, from the commanding officer to the lowest-ranking seaman.
In fact, there are nearly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the US each year, and nearly 30% of these cases are military veterans, with Navy veterans being the majority of those 30%. As with any form of cancer, early detection is crucial for improving prognosis.
Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, and abdominal swelling. However, considering the latency period of up to 50 years following the exposure, symptoms often appear in the advanced stages of the disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Early mesothelioma diagnosis is really important, and diagnostic procedures include imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells in the body. By taking a proactive approach, veterans can detect the disease at its early stages and gain access to timely treatment options that significantly improve outcomes.
Treatment options vary on the stage and location of the cancer, though the most common methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Fortunately, recent advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapy show even more promise when it comes to improving the survival rates and quality of life of those going through treatments.
Support and Resources
It’s important to note that Navy veterans with mesothelioma have legal rights to seek compensation and even be eligible for benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs. They can also pursue legal action against asbestos manufacturers and employers who have failed to provide adequate personal protection equipment.
