Mesothelioma, once a rare cancer, has become more prevalent in the past
50 years. The incidence of this aggressive disease, which has no cure,
is expected to rise through 2015.

Until recently, mesothelioma was considered universally fatal. Patients
treated with the best available therapy have survived 13 to 25 months
in some studies, and with only supportive care the median survival is
about 9 months.

Studies investigating the diagnosis of mesothelioma have recently
reported promising results, which may help reverse this tragic trend.

If caught before spreading beyond the lungs, there is a much greater
chance of successfully treating the disease. Once mesothelioma has
spread, the disease quickly overcomes its victim. With earlier
detection, current treatments would be more effective and life
expectancy could rise dramatically.
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