Mesothelioma

Hi, I'm Ryan, 19 from Leeds. On the 11th of May I will be running the Rob Burrow Leeds Half Marathon in aid of Mesothelioma UK, for my grandad. All the funds raised will be going directly to Mesothelioma UK.

In the UK, over 2,700 per year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. It is also known as ‘diffuse’ or ‘malignant’ mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium caused through exposure to asbestos which in turn causes asbestosis. This type of cancer is non-curable, although treatment can control symptoms.

The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of:

The chest wall, where it is known as the pleura

The abdomen where it is known as the peritoneum

The mesothelium also surrounds organs within these cavities for example the heart, lungs and intestines. It is far more common to have mesothelioma in the chest than in the abdomen. There is approximately one case of peritoneal mesothelioma to every 12 cases of pleural mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more common in men than in women and nearly half of the people diagnosed with the disease are over 75 years old.

Any donation is very much appreciated to help find a cure for this awful disease.