Dallas law firm Frenkel & Frenkel discuss a recent study which found that rising mesothelioma healthcare costs are creating a burden on patients. 
Frenkel & Frenkel, a Dallas law firm, learned that a recent study conducted by the Cancer Research Center in Seattle found an increased risk of bankruptcy in patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and other cancers. In fact, according to the findings of the study, a patient undergoing treatment for cancer is almost three times more likely to file bankruptcy than those who not diagnosed with the disease. Rising Healthcare Costs The study, as the Dallas law firm found, indicated that rising healthcare costs for treating mesothelioma and other cancers led to significant financial burdens for patients and their families, prompting many experts to request assistance from drug companies to work toward reducing the costs of medications necessary to treat this disease. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatment options are available that help slow the progression of the disease and reduce the symptoms in patients. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, as explained in an article from the Dallas law firm, which was posted on their website, is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. One of the biggest obstacles to treating the disease is the lengthy latency period between exposure and diagnosis. Many patients diagnosed may not even know that they had ever been exposed to asbestos, as even second-hand exposure can lead to the development of the disease. Children whose parents worked in asbestos-laden industries, such as shipyards, construction or the automotive industry, may have come in contact with asbestos fibers on the clothing of their parents. Diagnosis of mesothelioma has occurred in patients as much as 60 years after their exposure to asbestos. Treatment Costs Not all costs for treating mesothelioma are covered by insurance, and these additional costs are what lead patients into financial ruin. In fact, the cost of cancer-treating drugs can exceed more than $100,000 a year, and many healthcare providers are demanding that drug companies address the high cost of these medications in an effort to ease the burden on patients. However, drug companies continue to argue that the cost of research and development is keeping the prices of cancer medications high. In addition to the high costs of treatment, loss of income, travel to or from medical services, and many other extra expenses can lead to financial difficulty for patients. In an effort to help ease this burden on mesothelioma patients, the Dallas law firm Frenkel & Frenkel provides guidance to patients on their rights under the law after a diagnosis. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you have options. Contact the Dallas law firm, Frenkel & Frenkel by visiting our website or giving us a call at 1-800-834-0000.
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