Cancer in the United States

US Cancer At-a-Glance Resources

As new research on cancer prevention and control progresses, there is much good news to celebrate in the war against cancer. More information on cancer prevention is available, more cancers are detected early, and more treatment options exist. Over the years policymakers and health officials have worked diligently to combat the disease through establishing programs and enacting numerous laws.

However, most experts would agree that the battle is far from over. In 2005, over 1.3 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and 570,280 persons will die of cancer in the United States. This amounts to more than 1,500 people dying each day and makes cancer the second leading cause of death in this country, exceeded only by heart disease. African Americans are about 33% more likely to die of cancer than are whites and more than two times more likely to die of cancer than are Asian or Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Hispanics. More than five million lives have been lost to cancer since 1990. According to the National Institutes of Health, the 2003 annual direct and indirect costs of cancer in the United States exceeded $189 billion.

As research and policy recommendations for cancer prevention and control are constantly evolving, state lawmakers face many challenges in staying updated and aware of cancer issues.  The National Conference of State Legislatures Cancer Prevention and Control web pages provides current information on statistics, legislation, research, programming and other policies affecting cancer prevention and control.

Asbestos Lung Cancer

Exposure to asbestos is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in United States history. As early as 1918, asbestos has been linked to various kinds of lung anomalies, including the deadly mesothelioma. Often, symptoms manifest long after lung tissue has been compromised which makes treatment problematic in patients who have had a lung disorder for years without knowing it. Fortunately, asbestos lawsuits often result in settlements in favor of plaintiffs who have been injured by employers with knowledge of the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a combination of naturally-occurring chemicals found in the form of fibers. The fibers were used in the first half of the 20th century to insulate buildings against cold and heat as well as protect buildings from fire damage. Loose fibers and fiber dust, when breathed into the lungs, can cause severe defects in lung tissue and cells which leads to various forms of lung cancer. Industries most commonly affected by asbestos lung cancer include shipbuilding, auto manufacturing, construction, heating and cooling.

Asbestos is linked to a wide range of severe health problems in those who experienced long-term exposure. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, do not ready exhale from the body and remain in the lungs for an extended period of time. Lung cancer patients and those suffering from mesothelioma experienced symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, swelling of the neck or face, difficulty swallowing and anemia. In addition to lung disorders, asbestos has been known to cause cancers in the throat, gall bladder, kidneys, colon and esophagus.

Asbestos litigation has been widespread since the 1970’s. Many companies with a history of asbestos-related injuries have set aside litigation expenses in preparation for lawsuits on behalf of injured employees. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos at any point in their life should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. If tests reveal lung cancer or mesothelioma, an attorney can help determine whether the employee has a claim against his employee. Even if many decades have passed since the exposure, it is never too late to seek damages from companies having knowingly exposed their workers to the dangers of carcinogenic asbestos. (1)

Misdiagnosis of Cancer and Loss of Chance

This section examines the Misdiagnosis of Cancer and Loss of Chance subject in its related phase of trial. In some cases, other key elements related to trials, such as personal injury, business, and criminal litigation, are also addressed.

Resources

Notes

1. From openjurist.org