The threat and danger of the coronavirus remain understandably high. However, people who have been exposed to asbestos and gotten sick are facing their own health challenges, which are no less real and no less dangerous. Every September 26, on Mesothelioma Awareness Day, those in the mesothelioma community come together to raise awareness about the dangers of this aggressive and deadly cancer and to educate people about its causes.
Earlier on in this Covid pandemic, hospitals stopped doing non-mandatory surgeries. Biopsies for mesothelioma were included in that ban. No one could get their illness confirmed or be told they didn’t have it.
That has changed.
New Yorkers with Possible Mesothelioma Can Get Their Biopsy
New Yorkers who have been wondering if they have developed the aggressive, asbestos exposure cancer mesothelioma can now get their biopsies. And they should, if that is the advice of their doctors.
The sooner you get your medically-approved biopsy done and find out if you have mesothelioma, the sooner you can get treatment. Treatment is your best chance for living a longer and better life. You should ask your doctors about any treatment they feel is necessary and not let the fear of Covid stop you.
We are issuing this advisory to potential clients who have waited to get their biopsies done and postponed these procedures because of coronavirus guidelines and quarantines. Even if you live in a high-volume area of coronavirus cases, please note that the process of getting a biopsy and obtaining a mesothelioma diagnosis has returned to some degree of normalcy. Consult with your doctors to see what they recommend you do.
New Yorkers wanting to find out if they have mesothelioma should pursue testing without delay, if their doctors agree. As always, we urge you to take all possible safety precautions to safeguard against infections.
Thank You to All of the Doctors and Nurses for the Work They Do
We also want to pay tribute to all of the doctors, nurses, and technicians who usually treat patients with mesothelioma but had to take on Covid treatment duties. These men and women have pursued the execution of their Hippocratic Oath with purpose and bravery. Thank you for your life-saving efforts.
Treatment for Mesothelioma Can Prolong Life
Once you’re diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you can begin any treatment plan your doctor recommends. Early treatment can make a difference. Treatments can improve life expectancy as well as overall quality of life.
We must also continue to search for a cure to this preventable, yet deadly disease.
New Yorkers Continue to Face Risk for Asbestos Exposure
New Yorkers — especially those in specific building trades — continue to face the risk of being exposed to asbestos because of the city’s buildings and history. Many of the city’s buildings were built during a time when asbestos was commonly used. You can still find these asbestos-containing products throughout the city.
- Fireproofing products.
- Insulation.
- Roofing materials.
- Ceiling and floor tiles.
- Cement products.
Any time asbestos products are disturbed for whatever reason, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. For example, on September 11, 2001, when the Twin Towers fell, a massive cloud of dust and debris spread across Manhattan, both downward and outward. This debris contained the asbestos fibers used to fireproof the buildings.
Asbestos Exposure Related Diseases May Take Years to Develop
Asbestos-related diseases tend to take years to show themselves. We cannot predict how many New Yorkers will one day develop asbestos-related respiratory diseases because they breathed in asbestos-laden air following the collapse of the Twin Towers.
Even today, steam pipes can explode, buildings are demolished, and new renovation projects disturb asbestos fibers that may have been undisturbed for decades. Each release of asbestos particles puts New Yorkers at risk.
Even brief exposure to airborne asbestos can lead to respiratory diseases and other illnesses.
Asbestos Is Carcinogenic
Asbestos is a carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer. This substance is dangerous no matter how long you have been exposed or how little your exposure. There is no safe exposure.
For more than 30 years, Weitz & Luxenberg has dedicated itself to helping people who have been affected by asbestos-related diseases. We have handled more than 33,000 cases over the years.
For those who have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, we urge you to discuss with your doctor how to seek appropriate treatment as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to work toward the day when mesothelioma is a disease of the past.