{"id":1888,"date":"2025-06-17T07:00:37","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T11:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mesotest2.wpengine.com\/?p=1888"},"modified":"2025-06-17T16:16:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T20:16:10","slug":"10-mesothelioma-myths-and-misconceptions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/10-mesothelioma-myths-and-misconceptions\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Myths and Misconceptions About Mesothelioma and Asbestos in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/\">Mesothelioma<\/a> is a rare cancer, so many people don\u2019t understand the science of how this disease develops or how to treat it.<\/p>\n<p>Combating misinformation and understanding mesothelioma facts can help empower you and your family to fight this cancer and make informed decisions about your health.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about 10 of the biggest mesothelioma myths in 2025 below.<\/p>\n<h2>Myth #1: Only Those Who Work Directly With Asbestos Are At Risk<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s a misconception that only people who served in the military or worked jobs where asbestos exposure was common are at risk of mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> Indirect contact with asbestos is every bit as dangerous as handling the material directly \u2014 and family members were often <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/asbestos\/exposure\/secondary\/\">exposed secondhand<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>When asbestos fibers are released, they can linger in the air or settle in clothing, hair, water supplies, and food.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if a blue-collar worker comes home with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/asbestos\/\">asbestos<\/a> fibers on their clothes, their spouse or children could unknowingly breathe in these fibers and develop mesothelioma decades later.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Family members could have also been exposed to asbestos by:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Living in a home built with asbestos products<\/li>\n<li>Visiting a family member on a job site<\/li>\n<li>Washing clothes covered in asbestos dust<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and even a single fiber can increase someone\u2019s risk of mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about risk factors for mesothelioma and what to do if someone you love was diagnosed. Get your <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> shipped overnight.<\/p>\n<h2>Myth #2: Mesothelioma Only Affects Older Men<\/h2>\n<p>Mesothelioma primarily affects older men who worked with asbestos-containing materials 10-50 years ago at their job sites. However, they\u2019re not the only people at risk of this cancer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos directly or secondhand is at risk, regardless of their age, gender, or other factors.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Misconceptions about who develops mesothelioma can be dangerous since individuals may be less likely to push for testing or not be taken seriously when they come to their doctor with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/symptoms\/\">symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Jessica-Blackford-Cleeton-circle.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;My symptoms were written off, as it is with a lot of young women who are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. I\u2019d say every woman that I\u2019ve talked to, especially a young woman who has had peritoneal mesothelioma, was misdiagnosed at first.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Jessica Blackford-Cleeton, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>Asbestos has also been found in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/products\/talc-powder\/\">talc-based cosmetic products<\/a> like body powder and makeup.<\/p>\n<p>Increased awareness and better screening and diagnostics have led to more people being diagnosed at younger ages as well as a better understanding of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/women\/\">mesothelioma in women<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Myth #3: There Are Other Causes of Mesothelioma Besides Asbestos<\/h2>\n<p>Because mesothelioma is such a rare cancer, many people don\u2019t understand how it forms. Unlike <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/cancer\/lung-cancer\/\">lung cancer<\/a>, mesothelioma isn\u2019t caused by smoking. It\u2019s also not caused by genetic mutations or other biological factors.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>As the topic of genetics becomes more prevalent in medical research, there\u2019s been some confusion about how certain genes \u2014 particularly BAP1 \u2014 influence the development of mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>Patients with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/genetics\/bap1\/\">BAP1 mutations<\/a> may be more vulnerable to developing mesothelioma, but a <strong>BAP1 mutation cannot cause this cancer without asbestos exposure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, smoking cigarettes can make it harder for the body to fight mesothelioma cells, but doesn\u2019t actually cause the cancer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/raja-flores-profile.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;If there&#8217;s no asbestos, there&#8217;s no mesothelioma, it&#8217;s that simple. If you have mesothelioma and you say, \u2018Well, I&#8217;ve never been exposed to asbestos,\u2019 you were exposed to it. You just don&#8217;t know where or when.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. Raja Flores, mesothelioma specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h2>Myth #4: Mesothelioma Is an Automatic Death Sentence<\/h2>\n<p>Getting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/\">mesothelioma diagnosis<\/a> can be scary. Some of the survival statistics are discouraging, and there\u2019s no known cure yet. But treatments are improving all the time, and there are many long-term survivors living life to the fullest today.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> Treatment innovations and a better understanding of mesothelioma are leading to long-term survivorship \u2014 with some patients living for decades after their diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>Examples of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/survivors\/\">mesothelioma survivors<\/a> who have outlived their prognosis include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/alexis-kidd-surviving-mesothelioma\/\">Alexis Kidd<\/a>, 18-year survivor<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/julie-gundlach-mesothelioma-survivor\/\">Julie Gundlach<\/a>, 19-year survivor<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/mesothelioma-survivor-builds-a-future\/\">John Stahl<\/a>, 6-year stage 4 survivor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>General survival statistics don\u2019t represent your unique situation, so there are reasons to <strong>stay hopeful<\/strong> after a diagnosis.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Robert-Taylor-Ripley-MD-300x300-1.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;Patients assume when they have this disease that they can\u2019t survive and can\u2019t live with it, even though many of our patients are walking around living relatively normal lives.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Taylor Ripley, mesothelioma specialist at Baylor Lung Institute<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>Learn more about patients who beat the odds and outlived their prognosis in our <strong>Free Survivors Guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"21913\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque light-blue has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue{margin:60px auto;line-height:26px;max-width:337px}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue a{display:block;background:#EDF8F9;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF;border-radius:0px 8px 8px 0px;padding:25px;color:#100134;text-decoration:none;font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue .image-wrap{max-width:210px;margin:0 auto 15px}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue .heading{display:block;font-size:22px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue ul{max-width:245px;list-style:none;margin:0 auto 22px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue ul li{margin:0 0 5px;position:relative;padding-left:26px}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:2px;border-radius:20px;color:#fff;font-size:10px;text-align:center;line-height:20px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;overflow:hidden;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue .image-wrap{float:right;align-self:flex-end;padding:0 3%;width:47%;margin:0;max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue .vque-content{float:left;text-align:left;padding:30px;width:53%}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue .heading{font-size:24px;line-height:1;margin-bottom:13px}.widget_oscar-vque.light-blue ul{margin:0 0 22px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/survivors-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free Survivors Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Survivors Paragraph Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/mh-survivor-guide-cover.png\"><div><div class=\"image-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"431\" height=\"402\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/mh-survivor-guide-cover.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Survivors Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/mh-survivor-guide-cover.png 431w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/mh-survivor-guide-cover-300x280.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 431px) 100vw, 431px\" \/><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free Survivors Guide<\/strong><p>9 authentic stories of mesothelioma patients who outlived their prognosis with support from loved ones<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get It Shipped Overnight\">Get It Shipped Overnight<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Myth #5: There\u2019s No Cure, So Mesothelioma Treatment Isn\u2019t Worth It<\/h2>\n<p>Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease, but many patients are living longer with treatment than in years past. Ongoing research and emerging <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/\">mesothelioma treatment options<\/a> are providing new hope to patients with this cancer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> Treatment provides the best chance of fighting mesothelioma, and patients who aren\u2019t eligible for curative treatments can still benefit from palliative care to improve quality of life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>The standard mesothelioma treatment is typically surgery and chemotherapy, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/immunotherapy\/\">immunotherapy<\/a> is emerging as a newer treatment. Many patients are seeing promising results with this therapy, which supports the body\u2019s immune system to fight cancer more effectively.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/dr-robert-cameron.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;Until [we find a cure], you want to have the cancer successfully treated, and it\u2019s not any different than diabetes. It\u2019s a lifelong illness. You\u2019re not cured from it \u2014 but you can be treated very successfully, and you can live a long life. The same kind of expectation should be applied to mesothelioma.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. Robert Cameron, mesothelioma specialist at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>Even patients with late-stage cancer have seen promising results from treatment. For example, John Stahl was diagnosed with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/stages\/stage-4\/\">stage 4 mesothelioma<\/a>, which has an average life expectancy of only 1 year. Thanks to chemotherapy, John is still living life to the fullest today \u2014 <strong>over 6 years after his diagnosis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, many patients have received <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/palliative\/\">palliative care<\/a> to ease symptoms. Palliative care can be requested at any point, whether a patient undergoes life-extending treatments or not.<\/p>\n<h2>Myth #6: Insurance Will Cover All Mesothelioma Treatment Costs<\/h2>\n<p>Health insurance can be a helpful tool in the fight against mesothelioma, but there are <strong>often hoops to jump through and gaps in coverage<\/strong>. Health care costs in 2025 are high and continuing to rise, and insurance doesn\u2019t always cover everything.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> On average, it costs $400,000 a year to treat mesothelioma. Insurance rarely pays for all the expenses, especially when it comes to travel, specialists, or out-of-network care.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Working with a mesothelioma specialist can mean traveling to a different city or state, and the costs associated with flights, gas, hotels, and meals aren\u2019t covered by insurance. Additionally, certain tests, specialist appointments, or alternative treatments may not be covered.<\/p>\n<p>However, patients may find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/compensation\/\">financial relief with legal support<\/a>. Many families have accessed compensation to pay for treatment by filing claims with asbestos trust funds or lawsuits against asbestos companies that made them sick.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/julie-gundlach.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;Filing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/lawsuit\/\">mesothelioma lawsuit<\/a> has greatly impacted my family\u2019s life. It has allowed me to seek the medical treatment that I absolutely need without the fear of losing my home.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Julie Gundlach, 19+ year mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div><\/p>\n<h2>Myth #7: Any Doctor Can Treat Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Although experienced oncologists (cancer doctors) may know how to generally treat cancer, mesothelioma has specific nuances that the average doctor may not understand.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/doctors\/\">Mesothelioma specialists<\/a> know how this cancer develops and spreads, so they can recommend the best treatments based on factors unique to your diagnosis, such as the cancer type, stage, cell type, and more. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Top mesothelioma doctors are also plugged into the latest research and newest treatments, and can recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/alternative\/\">alternative therapies<\/a> and palliative care to support overall well-being and recovery.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/MaryJane.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;If your doctor is not a professional and has not lived it and breathed it, get another oncologist. You need someone experienced \u2014 someone who\u2019s going to fight for you and with you.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Mary Jane Williams, 15-year mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div><\/p>\n<p>Use our <strong>Free Doctor Match<\/strong> service to get connected with a mesothelioma specialist near you.<\/p>\n<div id=\"25223\" class=\"one-off-25223 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"25223\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-25223{margin:60px auto}.one-off-25223 a{box-shadow:0 4px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25);display:block;background:#e4f4f6;padding:20px 25px 200px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-25223 a::before{background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50% 50% 0 0;content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;height:19%;width:135%;left:-60px;z-index:0}.one-off-25223 .vque-content,.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{width:100%;position:absolute;left:-10px;bottom:-15px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;max-width:unset;left:0}.one-off-25223 .heading{font-size:27px;line-height:33px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:5px auto 25px}.one-off-25223 ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px auto 22px;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:26px}.one-off-25223 ul li{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative;padding-left:35px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:21px;height:21px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:4px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:11px;text-align:center;line-height:21px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:center}.one-off-25223 .button{padding:12px 16px;display:block}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-25223 a{max-width:620px;padding:30px 30px 35px;border-radius:0 0 4px 4px}.one-off-25223 a::before{border-radius:50%;height:155%;width:150%;right:-550px;left:unset;bottom:-295px}.one-off-25223 .heading{text-align:left;margin:2px 0 25px;max-width:unset;font-size:24px}.one-off-25223 ul{margin:-7px 0 30px;max-width:365px;line-height:23px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{top:1px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{max-width:unset;position:absolute;right:-25px;bottom:-35px;margin:0 0 -2px;left:unset;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .button{display:inline-block;padding:14px 25px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:left}}@media screen and (min-width:1150px){.one-off-25223 a{padding:30px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\" title=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Find top specialists near you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Seek compensation for travel & care<\/li>\r\n            <li>Get medical guidance<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Matched Now\">Get Matched Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Doctors-ad.png\" alt=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Myth #8: You Have to Know How You Were Exposed to Get Compensation<\/h2>\n<p>Many mesothelioma patients have no idea when or how they were exposed to asbestos. Because of this, they may hesitate to pursue legal action.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> Skilled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/mesothelioma-lawyer\/\">mesothelioma attorneys<\/a> can pinpoint where and how you encountered asbestos \u2014 even if you and your family have no idea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Some people remember specifically where they were exposed to asbestos, even if they didn\u2019t realize it was dangerous at the time.<\/p>\n<p>The most common ways people are exposed include through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/veterans\/\">military service<\/a> and jobs that relied on asbestos-containing products, such as construction, firefighting, and plumbing. There are also many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/10-jobs-at-risk-of-nontraditional-asbestos-exposure\/\">nontraditional sources of exposure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Experienced mesothelioma attorneys, like those at our partner law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy, know exactly where to look to find out how a patient may have been exposed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/lisa-busch-circle.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;We have an extensive database of documents that we\u2019ve collected over 25 years. By utilizing this database, we can get our clients the compensation they deserve.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Lisa Nathanson Busch, Partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div><\/p>\n<h2>Myth #9: Asbestos Can Be Removed While Wearing a Mask<\/h2>\n<p>If you suspect or know that there is asbestos in your home or workplace, you may think it\u2019s best to remove it immediately. However, it may be safer to leave asbestos materials in place to avoid releasing fibers into the air.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> If you\u2019re not a licensed removal specialist, it\u2019s dangerous to try to remove asbestos on your own \u2014 and in some states, it\u2019s illegal to do so. Experts recommend leaving older asbestos products intact if they are not damaged and working with a professional for removal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos-containing materials are classified as either friable or non-friable. If a product is friable, it can be crushed by very slight pressure (like putting a hand on it).<\/p>\n<p>Asbestos products can become friable if they\u2019re damaged or naturally weaken over time. Friable asbestos materials can release fibers into the air and put anyone nearby at risk.<\/p>\n<h2>Myth #10: Asbestos Is Banned and No Longer Used<\/h2>\n<p>For decades after other nations worldwide had <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/legislation\/asbestos-bans\/\">banned asbestos<\/a>, the United States still hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><strong>Fact:<\/strong> In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did ban the last type of asbestos that was actively being used \u2014 but the phase-out could take several years, and many American workers and their families will continue to be exposed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Additionally, the new administration has announced plans to delay or reconsider the ban, so there\u2019s no guarantee it will actually take effect.<\/p>\n<p>Over 3,000 consumer goods made with asbestos products may still lurk in homes and workplaces built before the early 1980s.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Asbestos can be found in:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Brake pads<\/li>\n<li>Ceiling and floor tiles<\/li>\n<li>Cement<\/li>\n<li>Electrical and plumbing systems<\/li>\n<li>Insulation<\/li>\n<li>Plaster<\/li>\n<li>Siding<\/li>\n<li>Other materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Advocates are fighting for a global ban on asbestos to protect people around the world from this toxic substance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/linda-reinstein-headshot.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;Asbestos isn\u2019t a problem of the past. It\u2019s a danger hiding in homes, schools, and workplaces today. And until it\u2019s fully banned, I will keep fighting.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Linda Reinstein, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization president\/CEO and co-founder<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div><\/p>\n<h2>Get the Facts About Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot of misinformation surrounding mesothelioma and asbestos, but knowing the truth can help you make informed decisions about your health and future.<\/p>\n<p>Our team is here to help you get the facts about malignant mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We can help you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Understand your risk of mesothelioma<\/li>\n<li>Find a cancer specialist and top treatments<\/li>\n<li>Pursue asbestos compensation<\/li>\n<li>Get support during this difficult time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While facing a cancer like mesothelioma is never easy, there\u2019s hope to be found in truth and facts.<\/p>\n<p>Give us a call at <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> or request a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma-guide\/\"><strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><\/a> today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, so many people don\u2019t understand the science of how this disease develops or how to treat it. Combating misinformation and understanding mesothelioma facts can help empower you and your family to fight this cancer and make informed decisions about your health. Learn more about 10 of the biggest mesothelioma myths&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":22772,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[268],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1888"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1888\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}