People with a chest cancer related to exposure to asbestos will receive a boost today, as a new framework for improving their care is launched by Britain's Health Minister Rosie Winterton.
Marking Action Mesothelioma Day, Rosie Winterton will announce the publication of the National Mesothelioma Framework at an event at Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
The new framework provides advice to the NHS on how to organise services for mesothelioma patients in order to improve quality of care, building on the structures already in place for lung cancer patients. It is hoped that the NHS will adopt the recommendations set out in the Framework to ensure better care for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"Mesothelioma can be a challenging condition for the NHS to diagnose and manage, especially as the number of cases varies around the country so that, in some areas, it is a rare condition.
"It is important that we work to improve quality of care to a uniformly high level across the country. With a potential peak of cases less than ten years away, we have a window of opportunity now to ensure that the NHS has done all it can to provide a high quality service for all mesothelioma patients.
"I am therefore very pleased to be launching the National Mesothelioma Framework today."
Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said:
"We welcome this initiative by the Department of Health to improve services for people with the asbestos-caused cancer mesothelioma. The Action Mesothelioma Charter calls for the disease to be made a national priority. This initiative will help to ensure that people with this cruel disease now have a better chance of receiving the best treatment and care."
Chris Knighton of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund said:
"Action Mesothelioma Day gives a much needed opportunity to promote a greater awareness into the dangers of asbestos - past, present and future. The UK faces an epidemic of mesothelioma, yet awareness of the hazard of asbestos is still dangerously low.
"Mesothelioma is a cruel disease with, as yet, no cure and it is vital that people understand that they still have to be vigilant about asbestos. Anyone who comes into contact with it could be at risk."
The Framework is based on advice from the National Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Advisory Group and takes on board comments from a public consultation.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer which principally affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). However it can also affect the peritoneum (a thin lining in the abdomen). Over 90% per cent of mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs.
What causes mesothelioma?