A surprising new option for cancer treatment may one day be useful in managing cancers of all types, including mesothelioma. The new treatment is vitamin D, which scientists have discovered can prevent cancer cells from growing.

Mesothelioma has long been linked to the inhalation and exposure to asbestos fibers and dust, so when scientists uncovered an additional potential cause for this incurable form of lung cancer, the unthinkable became a reality.

According to researchers based out of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington D.C., the early 90 's development of carbon nanotubes has been an amazing feat for technological applications, however, it has not gone without its price. Specifically, carbon nanotubes may be causing harm to the human body in the form of mesothelioma cancer.

Anita Steiner — who was told she would not survive her cancer — has now been cleared of mesothelioma and is expecting her first child. Photo: JOHN WOUDSTRA



ANITA Steiner is not sure about higher powers. She has never been particularly religious. But in the past 14 months, an extraordinary chain of events has made this Melbourne woman feel truly blessed.

There is a potential increase of mesothelioma patients within the next few years, particularly among women. According to researchers, in 1979, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released information regarding 26 manufacturers of hand-held hair dryers that had been made with asbestos. While the 26 companies had voluntarily taken action to correct the asbestos-containing hair dryers, individuals who had used the tainted hair dryers may be at risk for developing mesothelioma.

Researchers in Denmark have discovered a chemotherapy combination that is proving to be highly effective for people with non-resectable malignant mesothelioma, according to a recent report on CancerConsultants.com. The study was published in a June issue of the British Journal of Cancer.

(PRWEB) July 21, 2008 -- Three thousand US citizens will be diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2008. Of this number roughly 1/3rd will be veterans of the US Navy. Americas Watchdog is one of the best known private consumer groups in the United States, and in 2006 they knew very little about mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a lethal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. According to Americas Watchdog, "in 2006 we discovered a close family member was diagnosed with mesothelioma and we were sadly forced to become experts at what a mesothelioma victim or their family needs to do.

Actor David Nicholls who had parts in blockbuster films including Gladiator and Gangs of New York has died of asbestos-linked mesothelioma cancer contracted as a teenager.
David Nicholls also had parts in a range of TV productions including Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Waiting for God and The Commander.

His stage presence was all the more distinctive thanks to his 6ft 5in height.

Frank was a self-employed mechanic, with his own diesel truck repair business. He was exposed to asbestos all his working life, and in the end it killed him. He died in 2000 from mesothelioma lung cancer, just a month after being diagnosed.

"My father was short of breath and had a congestive cough, but there was no apparent reason for the cough," his daughter Regina said. "It was not a productive cough, there was no phlegm or anything like that. And he had chest pains."

The rate of lung cancer among residents of Nahariya is 10 times higher than in the rest of the country, according to data submitted Monday by the chief doctor of the Health Ministry's Acre District, Shihab Shihab, to the Knesset Internal Affairs Committee.

Shihab attributed 70% of incidences of the Mesothelioma-type cancer, a rare disease affecting the covering of the lung (the pleura), to exposure to asbestos. Smoking was also indicated as a factor that could multiply the risk.