Be Your Own Best Advocate

When it comes to your health, whether you are male or female, it is important to educate yourself and be your own best advocate. When it comes to cancer, for instance, we now know that too much exposure to the sun, without appropriate protection, can lead to the development of skin cancer. We also know that smoking or being over exposed to cigarette smoke over long periods of time may also lead to the development of lung cancer. Recently, there was a connection discovered between the HPV disease and the development of cervical cancer. Knowledge is power and having this information will help you communicate better with your physician should you have any concerns. Another type of cancer known as mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos over a period of time. Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are due to tumour growth resulting in invasion of surrounding structures and/or the production of fluid. Chest pain may be caused by invasion of the chest wall. Approximately 8 million Americans may have been exposed through various jobs, such as miners, ship builders, factory and railroad workers, mechanics and construction workers. Others may have been exposed if they had served in the Navy as asbestos has been found on ships. Also, frighteningly, asbestos is still found in over 10% of our schools. If you are or were a smoker, you may be at even a greater risk. The most important thing to do is educate yourself and know all your options, both medically and legally, so you get the best care possible.