Funding Crisis for Mesothelioma-- MesoLink.org -- 07-08-04

Earlier this year, the financial crisis facing mesothelioma research groups was highlighted by the Wall Street Journal (Paid Subscription Required) . The article is the Wall Street Journal highlighted the importance of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in their mission to raise funds and continue with extensive research in to this deadly disease.

It was reported by the Wall Street Journal that a paltry $8.4 million was spent on mesothelioma research in a three year period, yet the total funding for overall cancer research for that same period was $15.83 billion, which means that under one tenth of a percent of the funds for this time period were awarded to mesothelioma research.

With mesothelioma cases on the rise each year, it is more important than ever to put additional funding in to researching and treating this asbestos related cancer. However, Chris Hahn, Executive Director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, stated: “We’re an order of magnitude or two below what other cancers are receiving.”

The Wall Street Journal article also highlighted the vast difference between the few million awarded to mesothelioma research and trials and the many billions that exchange hands in mesothelioma compensation and lawsuits.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation firmly believes that sufficient funding could be the answer to finding effective treatment for this form of cancer, and that the many recent breakthroughs are proof that appropriate funding can reap results.