Concerns Over Education Of Mesothelioma -- MesoLink.org -- 08-05-04

The United Kingdom, along with other countries that are expecting a mesothelioma epidemic over the next ten or twenty years, has expressed concerns over the lack of education about this deadly cancer amongst professionals.

Although there are an increasing number of resources and support facilities available for victims and families of this disease, the concerns are over the training and education being made available to professionals that have to deal with this disease.

In particular this refers to general practitioners, the first line of contact for most mesothelioma victims.

In terms of disease, mesothelioma is something of a newcomer to the market, with only a handful of diagnoses until recently. However, the number of cases has risen dramatically and is expected to continue its rise for some years to come.

However, training is not currently being addressed on the scale that it perhaps should be. Funding, also, is a problem and a major concern in most countries.

Many GPs, both new and experienced, are not familiar with mesothelioma symptoms and do not know a great deal about the disease. This cancer is already very difficult to diagnose due its non-specific nature, and with a lack of knowledge and training on the GP’s part, the diagnosis can become even more difficult.

This can lead to delays in vital treatment, making all the difference to patients suffering with this deadly cancer.