Over 618,000 Americans will likely die from cancer in 2025 alone, according to the National Cancer Institute. While being diagnosed with mesothelioma or another cancer can bring feelings of hopelessness, research offers a light in the darkness.
Each May, National Cancer Research Month serves as a time to recognize the doctors, scientists, patients, and advocates who have dedicated themselves to saving lives and improving outcomes for millions of families.
Their groundbreaking work often results in new medications and treatment options that have helped millions of patients live longer — and, in some cases, fully recover.
At Sokolove Law, we proudly support the efforts of those working to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Together, we can continue the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most.
Not All Cancers Are Created Equal
Cancer is often thought of as a single disease, but in reality, it refers to a wide range of illnesses that vary in terms of frequency, aggressiveness, survival rates, and causes.
Lung cancer, one of the most common cancers in the U.S., sees around 230,000 new cases annually and has a 5-year survival rate of 22.9%. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is rarer and more aggressive. It affects only 3,000 people each year and has a 5-year survival rate of 12%.
While some cancers are linked to genetics or lifestyle choices, others are caused by environmental or occupational toxins. Mesothelioma, for example, is only caused by asbestos exposure.
Toxic chemicals like PFAS — which are often found in firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick consumer products, and drinking water — have been linked to cancers of the kidney, testicles, liver, thyroid, and prostate.
Thanks to ongoing research, we continue to make progress in understanding how toxic substances cause different types of cancer.
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments may help extend life, especially if the disease is caught early. However, cancers like mesothelioma often take 20-50 years to first show symptoms, making early detection difficult.
Continued research is key to improving the survival rates for these rarer, more aggressive cancers.
The Research Race: Fighting Back Against Cancer
From 1991 to 2022, deaths linked to cancer decreased by 34%, according to the American Cancer Society.
Advancements in early detection and treatment options have helped extend the lives of millions of patients, allowing them to spend more time with their families and do the things they love.
“Thanks to lifesaving cancer research, 18,000,000 cancer survivors in the United States are living with, through, and beyond their disease.”
– American Association for Cancer Research
While these numbers are a testament to progress, there is still much work to be done, especially when it comes to rare cancers like mesothelioma that often receive less research funding.
Currently, multiple clinical trials are paving the way for new mesothelioma treatment options, which can potentially help patients with limited options.
The DREAM3R trial is studying whether adding the immunotherapy drug Imfinzi® to chemotherapy can help patients live longer, while the eVOLVE-meso trial is testing a combination of the drugs volrustomig, carboplatin, and pemetrexed to see if it provides better results for patients.
Last year, after seeing positive results from a clinical trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the immunotherapy drug Keytruda® along with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for pleural mesothelioma.
These advancements bring hope to those battling mesothelioma and reinforce the importance of continued cancer research. Every new breakthrough brings us closer to a future where cancer is no longer considered a deadly disease.
Get Involved During National Cancer Research Month
This year, the American Association for Cancer Research’s theme for National Cancer Research Month is United by Cancer Research: One Mission. One Voice.
It's a reminder that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all have a role to play in the fight against cancer.
You can get involved during National Cancer Research Month by:
- Contacting your representatives to advocate for increased federal funding for cancer research
- Donating to cancer organizations that support critical studies and clinical trials
- Hosting a fundraiser to help raise money and awareness for cancer research initiatives
- Sharing survivor stories to honor those affected and inspire hope in others
- Staying informed by reading about the latest advances in cancer treatment and prevention
While new treatment regimens and earlier detection have helped lower cancer rates in the U.S., none of this would be possible without continued cancer research — and there is still so much more to be done.
Awareness campaigns like National Cancer Research Month help generate funding for research and send a powerful message to Congress, which determines the annual budget for organizations like the National Cancer Institute.
This National Cancer Research Month, join the efforts of countless health care workers to make cancer a thing of the past.
Fighting for Cancer Patients in All 50 States
Researchers have found that some cancers may be preventable, particularly those linked to products containing toxic substances.
Many companies knew about the health risks associated with their products but chose to prioritize profits over people’s health.
At Sokolove Law, we’ve helped thousands of patients seek justice by holding these companies accountable for their negligence, including those with cancer linked to:
Our team may also be able to connect clients with top cancer treatment centers and specialists. We have registered nurses on staff who can provide guidance and support throughout this process.
Call (800) 995-1212 now if you or a loved one developed cancer from a toxic exposure. We’re prepared to fight for compensation on your behalf.
