Maryland: Asbestos related fatality
Between 1979 and 1999, over 1,000 citizens of Maryland died because of asbestos related diseases including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Of these victims, more than half lived in the Baltimore area, which is the most densely populated area in the state. The rate of death from asbestos cancer in Maryland is slightly higher than the nation’s average. Moreover, over 60 percent of these fatalities were due to asbestosis, a non-cancerous disease of the lungs, while less than 40 percent were caused by the vicious cancer mesothelioma.
Early diagnosis of these conditions is absolutely essential to improving one’s chances of survival. In fact, asbestosis is not usually immediately fatal if diagnosed in its early stages. For this reason, those who suspect or know they have been exposed to asbestos are strongly encouraged to seek medical attention from a qualified mesothelioma treatment center, where medical experts are trained at detecting and treating asbestos related diseases.
Who is at risk of mesothelioma cancer?
Many people who develop diseases like mesothelioma cancer were exposed to asbestos on the job. Studies have shown that those who have worked in military and civilian shipyards and related marine facilities are at a significantly increased risk of asbestos poisoning, compared to the general population.
Maryland’s power generating operations pose similar increased risk. A Puerto Rican study recently found that approximately 13 percent of chest x-rays performed on power plant workers show some kind of abnormality. Basco Power Electric, the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and the Glen Burnie Powerhouse in Maryland have all been identified as having asbestos exposure risks.
Public buildings, cement companies, oil companies (such as Halliburton, the subject of many asbestos lawsuits in Maryland), construction sites, and other commercial operations also pose possible risks of asbestos exposure.
If you fear you may have been exposed to asbestos and/or experience some of the common symptoms of an asbestos illness, see your doctor for a complete examination. If you would like to learn more about the legal rights of asbestos cancer patients, contact the Mesothelioma Treatment Centers today.
Maryland Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center
National Cancer Institute at Frederick
P.O. Box B
Frederick, MD 21702-1201
The Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is a US federal laboratory that is operated by Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., and is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, which is part of NIH. This laboratory works with both public and private entities to address urgent public health problems, such as cancer.
FNLCR is a major part of the research initiative that was created by NCI to increase scientific understanding of cancers that are caused by mutations in the RAS gene family. Researchers have understood that about ⅓ of all cancers in humans are driven by RAS gene mutations. For the most part, cancers that are driven by RAS are difficult to treat, and in some cases, can be aggravated by today’s therapies.
The national lab does in-depth biomedical research and maintains a large suite of highly integrated technologies that are used to fight cancer.
This national laboratory is the home of two GMP facilities that regularly manufacture drugs that are used in clinical studies for cancer research. One of the facilities conducts drug discovery and development for NCI.
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Kimmel Cancer Center
Weinberg Building
401 North Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231
Since this cancer center was opened in 1973, it has led the entire world in determining what causes cancer and how to fight it. The great strength of the research and treatment program was recognized by the National Cancer Institute years ago, and it was one of the first cancer centers to be recognized as a comprehensive cancer center.
The Kimmel center has active programs in all areas of cancer study, including clinical research, lab research, community outreach, education, and prevention/control.
Patients who use the Kimmel Cancer Center to treat their cancer have access to some of the most advanced cancer therapies anywhere. Scientists and doctors here work closely together so that new drugs and treatments that are discovered in the lab are quickly moved to the bedside to use on patients.
The Kimmel Cancer Center has many cancer specialty programs for adults and children who are dealing with many types of cancer. People who are at higher risk for many major cancers, such as breast, ovarian and colon, can get more information here about early detection and prevention, and also complete genetic counseling.
This cancer center also has comprehensive family and patient services that include an outstanding Cancer Counseling Center.
University of Maryland
Greenebaum Cancer Center
22 South Greene Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center (UMGCC) goes back to 1965 and it was designated as a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2008.
The mission of this cancer center is to do highly advanced cancer clinical research that will affect the understanding and treatment of all forms of cancer, and to offer the best clinical care for cancer patients in Maryland and around the globe.
This center’s interactive, multidisciplinary research approach is to take new discoveries in cancer biology and in research programs to develop and apply new cancer treatments. Researchers are attempting to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie specific types of cancer and apply the discoveries to cancer patients here.
University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center
Richard Battafarano, M.D., Ph.D.
Martin Edelman, M.D.
Petr Hausner, M.D., Ph.D.
22 S. Greene Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
National Naval Medical Center
Mesothelioma Treatment Section
8901 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20889-5600
