Op -editorial by Jonathan Sharp, Chief Financial Officer for the Environmental Litigation Group
Orphan diseases are conditions that are diagnosed in less than 200,000 people. Because of their rarity, these diseases receive little to no research attention. As a result, patients are often misdiagnosed and rarely benefit from curative treatment. Mesothelioma is one such rare cancer, emerging in less than 3000 people each year in the U.S. The condition is so rare that from 1999 to 2021, only 53,885 cases were reported.
To support the development of better diagnosis methods and potential curative treatments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposed the development of a national common database where all mesothelioma cases identified would be reported instantaneously. This simple shift in reporting methodology could improve researcher access to patients with mesothelioma and thus prompt research efforts by extending the available patient pool for clinical trials, which could eventually lead to more accurate diagnosis techniques.
While the National Mesothelioma Registry includes other proposals that could improve patient care and detection rates, current data on its feasibility is still being generated. More information will be available in the next couple of years when patient confidentiality procedures and data collection methods should be complete.
Mesothelioma Risk Factors
Despite its low prevalence, mesothelioma has a considerably high incidence among former army personnel and industrial workers. The increased rate of cases among these groups is not coincidental. Mesothelioma emerges in more than 80% of all documented cases as a direct result of asbestos exposure.
Before stringent safety regulations, army and navy veterans were exposed extensively to asbestos from working with this mineral or residing in areas where asbestos work was being carried out. Industrial workers face similar exposure rates across several sectors, including construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and insulation.
Since asbestos fibers were inhaled in most cases, 81.4% of all mesotheliomas are pleural mesotheliomas developed after asbestos fibers migrated from the lungs into the surrounding pleura. Pleural mesothelioma develops with insidious symptoms, often confused with less severe conditions. As misdiagnosis is a common occurrence in this disease, this leads to delays in treatment and cancer progression that diminishes the life expectancy of patients to only a few months. The latency period for mesothelioma, which can be anywhere from 20 to 50 years, further complicates the tracking and management of the disease, making it a significant concern for health professionals today.
Asbestos Risks in Horry County, South Carolina
From 1999 to 2017, South Carolina recorded a total of 3,801 asbestos-related deaths. This figure includes 512 deaths from asbestosis and 663 from mesothelioma, with a total of 2,652 deaths attributed to non-mesothelioma lung cancers caused by asbestos exposure. In Horry County alone, there were 285 asbestos-related deaths during the same period, averaging about 15 deaths per year.
South Carolina’s legacy of asbestos use in industries and military facilities contributes to ongoing health risks. In this state, vermiculite, a material containing asbestos, was extensively mined in the Enoree district, posing health risks to those involved in its extraction and processing. Many other industries here relied on asbestos, including powerplants, textiles, and construction, which exposed workers to asbestos-related risks.
Moreover, South Carolina and Horry County have a consistent veteran population, many of whom were exposed to asbestos during service. In the county, there are over 28,000 veterans, while across the state, former army staff counts more than 344,000 people.
Despite the decline in asbestos use following stricter regulations in the late 20th century, many older buildings still contain asbestos. In Horry County, the local Solid Waste Authority does not allow asbestos to be dumped on county landfills. Any renovation work in buildings containing asbestos and disposal of asbestos materials are made in line with state regulations and handled exclusively by professional authorized staff.
A National Mesothelioma Registry for Veterans Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
Although today, more stringent regulation on asbestos use resulted in a decline in exposure, mesothelioma cases emerging in populations now are the result of exposure taking place decades ago. Subsequently, a registry is still necessary to address misdiagnosis in at-risk groups.
Currently, the registry can solve several issues in mesothelioma research, medical practice, and care. Firstly, instant data reporting on cancer cases can help researchers and patients connect faster. This can help prompt research efforts for scientists while participating in clinical trials, which could mean access to the latest treatment developments for patients.
Secondly, the registry aims to implement a case-finding methodology whereby at-risk groups, such as veterans and former industrial workers, would receive periodic screening for mesothelioma. This approach enables early detection and allows patients to receive early chemotherapy or immunotherapy treatments.
Finally, the registry would include all mesothelioma specialized clinics in its database, allowing patients with a diagnosis to establish immediate contact with professionals and benefit from the best care possible early on. Considering these aspects, it can be argued that implementing a National Mesothelioma Registry represents a decisive first step towards enhancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma. By centralizing data collection and improving access to information, the registry will accelerate research efforts and enhance patient care through early detection and advanced therapeutic options.
About Author
Jonathan Sharp is the Chief Financial Officer for the Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. Jonathan handles the firm’s financial operations and evaluates legal cases for victims of toxic exposure.
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
