Taking Action Against Mesothelioma

To mark Action Mesothelioma Day on 27th February the British Lung Foundation and asbestos support groups around the UK are campaigning for improved treatment and care of people affected by the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma and better public awareness of the disease. There is as yet no cure for mesothelioma and the UK is facing an epidemic of the disease between 2011 and 2015.

The rising number of mesothelioma deaths is linked to the use of asbestos in the building industry up until the mid 1980s. Tradespeople such as builders, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and gas fitters are most at risk of getting this disease which kills one person every five hours in the UK.

To mark this year’s Action Mesothelioma Day the British Lung Foundation has published a survey of tradespeople revealing their awareness of the risks of asbestos.

The BLF is also keen to push forward the Action Mesothelioma Charter and has also released the results of a survey of all cancer networks in England to find out what progress has been made in putting the Mesothelioma Framework in to practice. The framework was published by the Government a year ago to improve the care provided to Mesothelioma patients and their families. The BLF is also launching a new patient guide advising people affected by mesothelioma how the Framework affects their care.

The British Lung Foundation with support from the British Thoracic Society have also produced guides for clinicians to prepare patients and their loved ones for the legal process that follows a death from mesothelioma, which can be especially traumatic for relatives.

The guide was developed after the British Lung Foundation highlighted families’ experiences in a report launched in February 2007. An Unnatural Death detailed how relatives can receive distressing visits from uniformed police officers investigating the death shortly after their bereavement.

If you would like to get involved in this campaign by emailing your MP or attending a local campaigning event then please click here.

For press enquiries or more information about the campaign please contact Kerry Kalcher on 02076885564 or Katherine Huntly on 02076885588.