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Mesothelioma Survivor Defies Odds

ByAlex Strauss

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Recently there have been a number of articles written about Jon Matthews, the British man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma a little over two years ago. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Apparently, Mr. Matthews had placed a bet with a bookie that he would live beyond 25 months. The bookie took the bet at 50 to 1 odds. When Mr. Matthews survived past this point, the bet paid off £5,000 on a £100 bet. First, we want to commend Mr. Matthews for proving his doctors wrong. But, why was 25 months chosen? Is this a magic number?

According to Andy Nicholson of William Hill Bookmakers the bookie had consulted with “various medical people” and based on those consultations it was decided that Mr. Matthews had a 50 to 1 chance to live past 25 months. Assuming that these were competent oncology professionals, it underscores the fact that mesothelioma doctors are often pessimistic about the survivability of this disease. While many people have heard about mesothelioma survivors Paul Kraus (12 years and counting), Ruth Phillips (10 years and counting), Rhio O’Connor (7 years and counting), there are others. In fact, some mesothelioma survivors have been written up in the medical literature with survival of more than 12, 15 and 17 years.

While the prognosis of this disease can be quite variable and depend on a number of factors such as stage, cell type, age of patient, general health, and therapies selected, 25 months is not a magic number. Some people can and do survive many years with this disease.

We wish Mr. Matthews many more years of good health and hope that his bookies continue to pay.

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