In memory
Warren Zevon, 'The Wind,' and Understanding Mesothelioma
Songwriter Warren Zevon died of mesothelioma in 2003 after making one last album. Here's what mesothelioma really is, from the National Cancer Institute.
Please note: this page is educational only — it is not medical advice, and it does not speculate about anyone’s health beyond reliable public reporting. For questions about your own health, talk with your healthcare team.
On screen
Warren Zevon — the sharp-witted songwriter behind "Werewolves of London" and "Keep Me in Your Heart" — died on September 7, 2003, at the age of 56. As widely reported, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2002 and, with a limited prognosis, chose to spend his final year recording a farewell album, The Wind, joined by many friends. He is remembered for his humor, his honesty about mortality, and songs that people still hold close.
The reality
According to the National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin tissue (mesothelium) that lines the lung, chest wall, and abdomen. Zevon was reported to have pleural mesothelioma, meaning the form that arises in the lining around the lungs and chest.
NCI states clearly that the major risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. This connection to asbestos is one of the defining features of the disease, and it often develops many years after a person's exposure.
What the story gets right — and what to remember
Zevon's diagnosis was publicly reported as pleural mesothelioma, which matches NCI's description of a cancer in the lining of the lung and chest. Coverage has often connected mesothelioma to asbestos, which is consistent with NCI's statement about its major risk factor. The precise source of any individual's exposure, however, can be uncertain, and the details of his care were his own.
Every person's situation is different. A public figure's story can raise awareness, but it is not a diagnosis or a prediction, and it is never a substitute for professional medical guidance.
Awareness, screening & prevention
The National Cancer Institute identifies asbestos exposure as the major risk factor for mesothelioma, which points to the clearest prevention message: limiting exposure to asbestos. NCI offers dedicated pages on mesothelioma causes and risk factors, symptoms, and diagnosis. There is no widely recommended general screening test for mesothelioma, so awareness of asbestos risk — often tied to certain workplaces or older buildings — is especially important, and any concerns are best discussed with a healthcare professional.
Turning a story into something useful
Remembering an artist like Warren Zevon, who faced his diagnosis so openly, can be a reason to learn. Reading accurate facts from the National Cancer Institute, understanding the link between asbestos and mesothelioma, and sharing that awareness are simple, worthwhile acts. Free cancer education helps more people find that information.
Questions to ask a healthcare team
- What is asbestos, and how might someone be exposed to it?
- Should past asbestos exposure change anything about my care?
- What symptoms are associated with mesothelioma?
- Where can I find reliable information about this rare cancer?