Action Mesothelioma Day 2019

Posted: 2nd Jul 19 8:00 AM

Action Mesothelioma Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of and paying tribute to those suffering from mesothelioma, is taking place this year on Friday 5 July.

Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused predominantly by exposure to asbestos, is diagnosed in more than 2,700 people each year.

It has affected the lives of many families in the United Kingdom over many decades due to the extensive use of asbestos in manufacturing and construction industries until its eventual ban in 1999.

What is Action Mesothelioma Day?

Every year, hundreds of people from around the UK gather to raise awareness of mesothelioma and to call for better treatment, research and care for those who have been affected by this devastating disease. They also call for the prevention of exposure to asbestos in future generations around the world through banning the import and export of asbestos and asbestos materials.

This year, Jan Garvey from the National Asbestos Helpline will be attending the Action Mesothelioma Day event in Manchester along with Helen Bradley from Alderstone Solicitors.

Helen, who is a partner at Alderstone Solicitors and specialises in asbestos and industrial disease, has attended Action Mesothelioma Day events in Manchester every year.

Helen has said of the event: “Action Mesothelioma Day is incredibly moving and it is an honour to be a part of it. To see so many families gathered in the city, carrying pictures of their loved ones lost to this disease, and standing up to fight for justice for the sufferers of mesothelioma, there is a huge feeling of togetherness.”

“We all know that we need to put pressure onto the decision makers so that more is contributed to the costs of essential research into this devastating disease.

“The message has always been a universal one of hope, and this year will be no different. We will all continue to campaign so that we can improve the plight of the thousands of people each year who are diagnosed with mesothelioma,” says Helen Bradley.

If you want to find out more about Action Mesothelioma Day, or to find an event near you, please visit the Mesothelioma UK website.

Mesothelioma UK is a national resource centre dedicated to providing specialist mesothelioma information, support and improved care and treatment for all UK mesothelioma patients, their carers and health care professionals.

The charity was launched in 2004 with initial financial support from Macmillan Cancer Support and later from the [Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund]. They became an independent charity in 2009 and registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2018.

Mesothelioma UK integrates into NHS front line services to ensure specialist mesothelioma nursing is available at the point of need. This has been achieved through a growing network of specialist mesothelioma nurses, regionally based in NHS hospitals and funded by Mesothelioma UK.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an incurable and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. It affects the membrane that covers the lungs (the pleura).

Mesothelioma is becoming increasingly more common. Figures from the Health & Safety Executive show that more than 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the UK each year.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, 53,000 people will die from mesothelioma between 2013 and 2037.

There are about 5 times as many instances of the terminal cancer in men as there are in women. This is most likely because the majority of cases are found in an older generation of skilled and manual workers who were exposed to asbestos dust and fibres during their working life.

If you or a loved one is ever diagnosed with mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the National Asbestos Helpline. We’re here to help you with advice about your condition and how to cope with it, and can also advise on any benefits and/ or compensation you might be entitled to. Call us on Freephone 0800 043 6635, or email enquiries@nationalasbestos.co.uk.