Mesothelioma and other environmental cancers are the target of new initiative in Michigan
In January 2010, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) will be launching a targeted health initiative focusing on environmental cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 1,479,350 new cases of cancer reported in the United States by the end of 2009. About 70% of cancers can be associated with occupational and environmental causes, including diet and tobacco use. The health initiative will be focused on detecting cancers related to asbestos and arsenic exposure, the two carcinogens most frequently encountered in Michigan.
Dr. Michael Harbut is director of the initiative, and he said that existing data can be used to identify workplace and environmental asbestos and arsenic in order to determine who is at risk for developing related cancers, what preventative care would be beneficial and how to more accurately diagnose and treat those who are at-risk. BCBSM will offer their Physician Group Incentive Program (PGIP) in December to help physicians accurately identify at-risk patients before their symptoms become apparent. Many people are unaware that they have even been exposed to toxins like asbestos and arsenic.
Arsenic was chosen for this initiative because Michigan has the country’s largest arsenic-contaminated water table. Asbestos was chosen for the initiative because there are an estimated 300,000 homes that contain asbestos-contaminated attic insulation. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can cause serious illnesses like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, heart and intestines. Additionally, people who smoke and are also exposed to asbestos are 50 times more likely to develop lung cancer.
For the full story, go to Reuters.
