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A Comedian Dying Of Cancer Will Get To Film A Comedy Special

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Quincy Jones, a 32-year-old comedian living in Los Angeles, was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma last year. After being told that he had one year to live, he decided to leave his mark on the world in the only way he knew how: stand-up comedy. 

His first one-hour special will air on HBO this spring. Visit his Kickstarter and GoFundMe campaigns for more information.

Story by Ian Phillips and editing by Kristen Griffin

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National Mesothelioma Registry Critical To Advance Research, Treatment

After being used since the 1940s in various industries, asbestos is now linked to severe health risks, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and insidious type of cancer that manifests decades after asbestos exposure. The rates of misdiagnosis for these cases are significantly high, with many receiving a diagnosis in the later stages of the disease.

To address the enduring impact of this exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proposed in 2019 a National Mesothelioma Registry that would enhance patient care through accurate data collection, improved patient-clinic connections and periodic screenings for at-risk populations.

Orphan diseases and misdiagnosis

Orphan diseases are diseases that can be found in fewer than 200,000 people. Their nickname stems from these conditions receiving little attention for treatment developments and research on diagnosis methodologies.

In 2021, a total of 2,803 mesothelioma cases were reported, with older age groups showing the highest incidence rates, directly correlating to historical asbestos exposure. This history of asbestos exposure also explains why this condition is more prevalent among certain groups. Around 30% of all mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in veterans who were exposed primarily during their service in the Navy and other military branches, where asbestos was used in ships, aircraft and building materials. Another at-risk group here is industrial workers, including those who worked in the construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors, where asbestos was commonly used.

From 1999 to 2021, a total of 53,885 mesothelioma cases were recorded across America, making this cancer an exceptionally rare occurrence. Yet, while some orphan diseases are attributed to rare genetic mutations, only about 10% of mesothelioma cases can be traced back to this cause, with the rest having a direct link to asbestos exposure. As the condition is so rare, medical expertise and research on its specificities are also scarce. Subsequently, this results in significantly high rates of misdiagnosis.

Other than being exceptionally rare, mesothelioma is also an insidious disease. Pleural mesothelioma, which accounts for over 80% of all diagnosed cases, presents with non-specific symptoms and is easily confused with less severe conditions, such as pneumonia or treatable forms of lung cancer. By the time patients finally receive a diagnosis, mesothelioma has already advanced to stage 3 or 4, leaving palliative care as the only remaining option for patients.

Asbestos risk in Aspen

Between 1999 and 2017, Colorado witnessed 3,214 deaths linked to asbestos exposure. A total of 260 deaths were linked to asbestosis, while mesothelioma accounted for 594 fatalities. Another 2,376 deaths were linked to non-mesothelioma lung cancers but triggered by asbestos exposure.

Aspen currently complies with federal regulations regarding asbestos safety protocols, including mandatory inspections and abatement procedures before renovations or demolitions, ensuring that asbestos materials are safely managed to prevent airborne hazards. These regulations are meant to keep the general public safe and avoid any future contamination. However, the legacy of past exposure still remains. In Garfield County, a total of 32 deaths were recorded for the same period while Eagle County registered 29 asbestos-related deaths. Both counties thus experience an average of one death per year caused by asbestos exposure. 

Feasibility research and registry implementation

Six years since this proposal was made, research on feasibility has been slow to progress, and given the decline in mesothelioma rates due to stricter asbestos regulations, progress may be even slower. Notably, policymakers and public health organizations should be aware that mesothelioma continues to be a significant public health issue and, as a result, act to create pressure for the implementation of this registry.

Support for the registry should not be regarded as an abstract obligation for these organizations. Research on the link between lung cancer and asbestos has existed since the 1940s, while policies for employee safety were implemented as late as the 1970s. Moreover, the U.S. Military, who had extensive knowledge of the effects of inhaling asbestos fibers, chose to advise safety measures instead of mandatory protective regulations. 

Considering these aspects, support from government entities, including the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, is essential for funding and implementing the registry to effectively address the ongoing impacts of past asbestos exposure.

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