Awareness day for cancer caused by asbestos

A national charity is raising awareness about mesothelioma – a cancer caused by breathing in asbestos fibres.

The illness is such a problem in Medway that Macmillan Cancer Relief provides funding for a specialist nurse to support patients and their carers.

Next Wednesday, the British Lung Foundation’s Action Mesothelioma Day aims to raise the profile of the killer condition, a cancer of the lining of the lung, which can also be found more rarely in the stomach.

Medway NHS Trust said the cancer, which is an incurable illness and virtually always fatal, remains undetected for years and often shows up 40 to 50 years after exposure.

In the Medway towns, asbestos was used widely in all areas of industry. Men and women travelling to work long hours in factories would handle raw asbestos before heading home bringing particles of the insulator with them.

Dr Alastair Steward, consultant chest physician at Medway Maritime Hospital, said: “Medway is a hot-spot for this disease. We have around 35 cases against 1,800 reported nationally.

“This statistic is significantly about the national average and is therefore a clear cause for concern in the area and this figure is set to peak over the next decade.”

Doctors have previously warned that the number of people being diagnosed with mesothelioma across all of Kent is set to double in the next 10 years.

Frances McKay, a mesothelioma nurse specialist, is based at Medway Maritime Hospital and runs a monthly support and information group for patients and their loved ones.

Although the dangers of asbestos have been known for more than a century it was not until the 1980s that the substance was banned in the UK – meaning thousands of workers have been unknowingly exposed to its lethal properties.

For more information about the mesothelioma team at Medway call 01634 830 000 ext 5212.

Source - Kent News

To contact one of our specialist lawyers please call 0800 61 66 81 , or use the contact details at the top left of this page.

What our clients say about us...

"In 1997 my husband was diagnosed with Mesothelioma. At this time we had bought a new house and were ready to retire. You were recommended to us as specialists in this area. Your expertise identified the source of my husband's exposure to the time he spent a ship fitter, and in addition your knowledge of what to do ensured that things moved quickly. The financial arrangements you put in place allowed us to pay off our credit cards and car loan. Our final payment ensured that we could pay off our mortgage. We cannot thank you enough." Mrs R Purver, Cleveland

select this link to see how we can help...

Questions answered online within 30 minutes

Specialised lawyer

Answered for free

No commitment

Find out more

Have I got a case?

Working with:

Law Society

Law Society Personal Injury

Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

Headway

Back Up Trust

Motor Accidents Solicitors Society

Investors in People

News centre

Latest News 06/01/09 In order to try and find an effective treatment and cure for mesothelioma, clinical trials have... Click to read more... A drug that could protect people from the harmful effects of inhaling asbestos fibres decades ago... Click to read more... All News

Change Text Only Settings

Graphic version of this page