Unite calls for government funding for mesothelioma research
26th February 2009
Mesothelioma is the least researched of the top 20 cancers, a
disease which has devastated millions of families world wide;
killings thousands each year in the UK many of them members of
Unite.
Unite, together with asbestos support groups and sister unions,
is calling for the government to invest millions in research to
treat the sufferers, their families and friends. In support of
Action Mesothelioma Day events are taking place all over the
country tomorrow (Friday, 27th).
Unite joint general secretary, Derek Simpson, said: “This
horrific disease, caused mainly by exposure to asbestos, has been
rife within industries our members have traditionally worked in,
such as engineering, construction, ship building and railways. We
will continue to fight for those who have been affected to ensure
they receive adequate compensation, but our fight will not stop
there. We want to make sure adequate resources are available to
find better medical treatments and hopefully a cure.”
In Scotland Unite will be attending two events. One in
conjunction with Clydeside Action on Asbestos and the other with
Clydebank Asbestos Group.
John Quigley, Unite regional secretary, said: “On Action
Mesothelioma Day, the devastating legacy of asbestos is widespread
in the communities of towns like Clydebank, Greenock and
Grangemouth where asbestos was routinely used in local
industry.
“Asbestos-related diseases have shattered lives and families.
And the worst is yet to come as it is estimated that the peak
mortality attributed to mesothelioma will come between 2011 and
2015. This will be the legacy of a widespread and indiscriminate
use of asbestos in many industries until the early 1980s.
“Unite fully supports the campaign for government funded
mesothelioma research. The damage done is irreparable but this
would be a step forward in tackling the scourge of health and
safety injustice in the workplace.“
The campaign calls on the government to provide funding for a
National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease to keep the UK in line
with other western countries. In Australia their government has
provided A$6.2 million to fund a National Centre for Asbestos
Related Disease. Sufferers are asking the UK government to match
this funding - around £5 – 10 million - to provide a similar centre
here.
An international conference will today discuss advances in the
treatment of mesothelioma. John Edwards, Consultant Thoracic
Surgeon and chair of the British Mesothelioma Interest Group, who
will address the conference said: “Researchers are desperate for
funds to develop life saving treatments. Mesothelioma is far and
away the least researched of the top twenty cancers in the UK.
Funding for a UK National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases is a
priority. Such a virtual institution would encourage collaboration
and stimulate research to generate future treatments to prolong and
save lives.”
Unite calls on its members to hold a two minute silence at
lunchtime on Friday, for colleagues and friends who have died or
are suffering from this awful disease.
ENDS
For more information contact Rob Miguel, Unite health and safety
advisor, on 07900 804911 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite press
office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980 224761.
Notes for Editors
Action Mesothelioma Day was inaugurated by the British Lung
Foundation and supporting organisations to raise awareness of
mesothelioma and to generate support for an Action Mesothelioma
Charter.
Mesothelioma is an invariably fatal tumour found mainly in the
pleura (surface lining of the lung cavity), for which there is no
cure. Average life expectancy is approximately 9 months. 2,039
people died from mesothelioma in 2005. Six people die from
mesothelioma every day. The estimated five-year survival rate is
less than 5 per cent. At least 70,000 British people will develop
mesothelioma in the next 30-40 years from past exposure to
asbestos. In women, it is the cancer most rapidly increasing in
incidence.
The Commonwealth Government of Australia has given A$6.2 million
to fund their research centre and a further A$1 million has been
donated by the research centre host, the University of Western
Australia.
The UK and Australia have the highest internationally reported
incidence rates (30 per million) for mesothelioma, yet in the UK
almost all funds dedicated to mesothelioma research come from
families and friends of mesothelioma sufferers. Very little funding
comes from government.
Unite and other trade unions, health professionals, mesothelioma
patients’ asbestos support groups and Michael Clapham MP, chair All
Party Asbestos sub-committee., is leading the proposal for the
National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases. The development
group has wide support and has met the prime minister’s special
advisor on health in Downing Street, the national director for
cancer and the minister for health with responsibility for
cancer.
Email to a friend
Want to share this story? These sites allow you to tag and share links across the internet enabling you to share these links with friends and people with similar interests. You can also access your links from any computer you happen to be using.
