February 1, 2023

February – Black History Month

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Cancer
Mesothelioma

For the entire month of February, the United States observes Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month. Throughout the month, we remember important people and events relating to the history of the African diaspora. Black History Month has received official recognition from the U.S and Canadian governments, and in recent years has been observed by the United Kingdom as well.

Before February was dedicated to celebrating African-American history, there was Negro History Week. This tradition began in 1926 and was celebrated in February to coincide with the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln (the president who abolished slavery) and the birthday of Frederick Douglass (a prominent abolitionist and statesman). It wasn’t until the 1970s that educators began proposing expanding the week into a month full of learning and celebrating the history of Black Americans.

                                                            

Each year, a theme is selected for Black History Month. In 2023, the theme is Black Resistance. The theme describes an opposition to historically oppressive rhetoric and systemic injustice and will serve as a reminder that resistance is something that we can all practice to create a future that is bright for all people.

Unfortunately, while we have made great strides in recognizing the injustices that Black Americans face, African-Americans still face disparities in the U.S. today. The findings of the mesothelioma researchers echoed previous studies that found black patients with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases had worse survival rates than their white co-workers. African-Americans across the country are facing health disparities and a lack of access to medical help and appropriate treatment.                                                          

Additionally, the link between mesothelioma diagnoses and race can be attributed to the demographics of certain occupations. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that out of all of the black and white patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, black patients were diagnosed at a much later stage of disease. This could be due to a lack of equal access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. Black women were at a higher risk for mesothelioma than their white counterparts.

According to the U.S Department of Labor Data, African-American men were not as highly represented in jobs with high levels of asbestos and potential exposures as compared to white men of the same generation. Rates are highest among African-American men above the age of 75 – particularly those who were employed as laborers, millwrights, pipefitters, and other jobs that involved regular handling of asbestos-containing products. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.