Recently, a research paper authored by a group of investigators at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Louisiana State University, resurfaced providing details on individuals who have fallen victim to mesothelioma cancer based off of their dietary habits. The report, which was compiled by a Diet and Mesothelioma taskforce, followed 116 individuals, half of whom had mesothelioma cancer and the other half had been exposed to asbestos but did not develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions. Both groups had similar incomes and tobacco usage as well as having comparable exposure to asbestos.

According to news reports, the researchers studied the foods consumed by both groups and found the following to be true of dietary habits:

• Individuals who remained cancer-free after exposure to asbestos were found to have eaten nearly twice the amount of locally/homegrown vegetables and fruits as those stricken with mesothelioma.
• Victims of mesothelioma ate more "cake, candy and pie than those who stayed cancer-free."
• Those consuming what are known as cruciferous vegetables - such as mustard greens, collards, broccoli, turnip greens, cabbage or brussel sprouts - were likely to remain mesothelioma-free even after exposure to asbestos occurred.

While more research is likely needed to verify these results, scientists at the NCI are putting faith into these dietary guidelines. The NCI, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Government have partnered together to create a campaign on the importance of eating vegetables and fruits to ensure a healthy lifestyle.

Foods to Improve Mesothelioma

The taskforce determined dietary habits had a role in the fight against cancer and several experts have also claimed this; eating certain types of foods, especially when organically grown, will likely decrease the chance of developing mesothelioma cancer for an individual who had endured asbestos exposure. The following are a list of foods found to be beneficial against deadly conditions such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.

• Olives, which contain maslinic and oleanolic acids can promote apoptosis - the death of cancer cells.
• Cabbage is high in glucosinolates (anticarcinogenic compounds), also raw cabbage contains substances to rid the body of carcinogens.
• Flaxseeds are filled with lignans and omega-3 fatty acids - potentially capable of lowering the risk of breast cancer in women and colon cancer among both sexes.
• Raspberries - most berries - are a source of fiber, vitamin C, ellagic acid and selenium.
• Mushrooms, which can block aromatase (breast cancer causing enzymes) and suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells.
• Pumpkin as well as carrots and winter squash all contain high levels of carotenoids and betacarotene.
• Onions contain phenolic compounds that are considered anticancer compounds.

What is Asbestos-Induced Mesothelioma?

Asbestos-induced mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer that develops after fibrous tissue bundles containing tremolite are inhaled and begin to develop cancerous cells on the interior lining of the lungs. Asbestos largely went unregulated for decades while millions of U.S. citizens were at risk for exposure to this silent killer. It was mined from vermiculite and used as an alternative, less-costly and fire-retardant ingredient in insulation.

There are several variations of mesothelioma cancer with pleural malignant mesothelioma considered the most deadly and having the lowest survival rate.

Other Treatments for Increasing Mesothelioma Survival Rate

There are currently no treatments in existence that can cure mesothelioma cancer or any variation of the unfortunate disease. However, scientists and researchers are working continuously to find treatments to decrease the severity of an individual's symptoms as well as increase the survival rate among victims.

Additionally, scientists keep studying the effects of certain foods and how it affects particular types of cancer. For example, researchers at the NIC within the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) have created a research center, with funding, dedicated to the study of dietary intake and cancer. Another study, which was published in a January 2006 issue of Journal of The American Medical Association, looked at the relationship between consumption of large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in fish) and breast, prostate and colorectal cancers.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), funded and developed by the government, has developed resources for patients suffering from mesothelioma cancer in order for these individuals to have online access to the most up-to-date clinical trials. Ongoing information for a variety of clinical trials can be found at http://clinicaltrials.gov/.

However, individuals who may be suffering from mesothelioma cancer or any other asbestos-induced condition should not only seek medical attention for their symptoms, but are advised to locate a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer who may be able to provide insightful details of a mesothelioma lawsuit. By consulting with a mesothelioma attorney, the potential for being awarded monetary compensation for bills and damages becomes a reality.