A lethal, but long-overlooked cancer will take a major step out of the shadows next week, as The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation convenes the First International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare, asbestos-related cancer. Research efforts were overlooked for decades, and effective treatment lags far behind other cancers. At the same time, incidence in the U.S. and globally is increasing to what some experts term epidemic proportions. The widely reported asbestos exposures resulting from 9/11 have increased the urgency of developing treatments for mesothelioma, in the view of many experts. The Symposium, to be held at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel October 14-16, 2004, is the first ever meeting designed to unite the entire mesothelioma-concerned community to focus on the research needed to cure the disease.
The importance of this effort is gaining national attention. Today, the Honorable Harry Reid, Nevada Senator and Democratic Whip, confirmed that he will attend to deliver the Symposium's keynote speech. Jordan Zevon -- son of critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, who died from mesothelioma one year ago -- will also appear. Washington Senator Patty Murray will receive an award in the name of Congressman Bruce Vento, who died from mesothelioma in 2000.