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this pageBrayton Purcell Sponsors Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Conference
October 6, 2004 — Brayton Purcell is proud to be a sponsor of the first international conference on mesothelioma presented by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). Caused by asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that first attacks the membranes lining the chest, lungs, or stomach. At present, mesothelioma is incurable, although various treatments may prolong life and decrease pain.
In the United States, about 2,500 to 4,000 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The figures are about 1,500 per year in the United Kingdom, and are expected to increase to 3,000 per year by 2020. Because mesothelioma symptoms may not be apparent until forty years or more after an initial exposure to asbestos, we may not be seeing the full extent of what may be a growing epidemic.
The conference includes meetings for medical professionals as well as workshops geared specifically to mesothelioma patients and family members. Co–Chairs Nicholas Vogelzang, MD, Director of the Nevada Cancer Institute, and Harvey Pass, MD, Chief of Thoracic Oncology at Wayne State University’s Karmanos Cancer Center, have put together presentations by the world’s leading mesothelioma surgeons, oncologists, and geneticists for the scientific portion of the conference. Additional presentations will address how both the public and private sectors can allocate resources toward medical research to improve mesothelioma treatment.
Mesothelioma patients and family members are welcome to attend the medical presentations. However, they may instead choose to only participate in a day of workshops geared to their special needs and interests. Workshop topics include healing, loss of a loved one, emotional recovery, and anger management.
The MARF conference will be held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas on October 14–16, 2004. For a complete schedule and registration information see the MARF web site.