Every day in the United States, about 1,500 people die from cancer. Cancer is a large group of diseases of which mesothelioma and asbestos-caused lung cancer are just two types. All cancers are characterized by the abnormal growth and spread of cells in the body. Cancer can be caused by external factors , such as asbestos, chemicals, tobacco, radiation, infectious organisms, and alcohol; or the cancer can be caused by internal factors , such as inherited genetic mutations, immune conditions, hormones, and mutations from metabolism.

Sometimes cancer can be caused by both internal and external factors. Some cases of cancer can be prevented, for example by not smoking, not being exposed to asbestos, or by avoiding too much sun exposure.

Help the Fight against Cancer

If you would like to help the fight against cancer, we applaud your interest and efforts. We're happy to provide links below to some of the most active and well-respected cancer organizations in the U.S., each of which gratefully accepts donations:

The National Cancer Institute has been authorized by Congress to accept donations in support of all types of cancer research. For more information about how to make a donation or how donations are used visit the institute's web site by clicking on their banner above.

Donations to the American Cancer Society support the fight against cance through research, education, adovcacy, and service. If you would like to donate to ACS visit their donations page by clicking on their banner.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a tax-exempt charity organization that applies the donations received to the research, advocacy for greater federal funding, and education of Mesothelioma cancer. To contribute to their mesothelioma research click on their banner.

The Lung Cancer Alliance is dedicated to providing patient support and advocacy to those living with or at risk of lung cancer. Donations are used for programs intended to empower patients, raise awareness, and change health policy. To donate visit them by clicking on their banner above.

Donations received by the Mayo Clinic are used to provide quality care for cancer patients, as well as contribute to cancer research and education. Visit the Mayo Clinic web site to learn more, or make a donation by clicking on their banner.