Earlier this week we celebrated Veterans Day- a time to pause and thank our current and past Veterans and families for their service and sacrifice to this county. Doug, a former Navy Veteran, asked to share this blog post regarding a very important topic relevant to many older Veterans- mesothelioma.
Veterans of service in all branches of the US Armed Forces may be at increased risk of mesothelioma, a potentially deadly form of cancer caused primarily by exposure to asbestos, a common ingredient in hundreds of products used by the Armed Forces before it was phased out in the 1970s. In addition to its effects on the body, mesothelioma also takes a toll on victims’ mental health.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer nearly always caused by exposure to asbestos, a substance widely used until the middle of the 20th century for its heat-resistant capabilities. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or, less typically, swallowed, they can lodge in the mesothelial cells of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma), and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Eventually tumors may form at the site of these fibers.
Who is at risk?
People on active duty in the US Armed Forces face a higher risk of contracting mesothelioma from asbestos exposure on the job. Cheap, easy to use and highly resistant to heat and fire, asbestos was used in hundreds of products continuously in buildings, equipment, and particularly ships, between 1940 and 1970. Because of the heavy use of asbestos in shipbuilding and outfitting, navy personnel may be the most at risk.
Symptoms may take years to develop; many former service people find themselves facing the consequences of asbestos exposure years after the fact. In addition to the stresses placed on the body by the disease and its treatments, mesothelioma can cause depression, anxiety, worry and other negative feelings.
--> Coping with Mesothelioma
For some veterans already suffering from mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from wartime deployment or other causes, mesothelioma creates an additional burden. Some may feel anger toward the military for allowing exposure to asbestos, frustration at negotiating the process of treatment as well as filing claims for assistance.
Many veterans, especially those serving in the military’s various branches during the peak times for asbestos exposure, have other health issues and disabilities stemming from their days of active duty. A diagnosis of mesothelioma adds additional trauma, leaving some on the verge of suicide.
Since mesothelioma brings with it an uncertain future, coping with the disease can cause depression and anxiety along with the physical discomforts of treatment. Stresses associated with dealing with mesothelioma can place strains on families and other relationships as well. And for those who are at risk but who do not actually have mesothelioma, the stress of anticipating the disease also plays a role in maintaining emotional balance.
