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Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
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Assembly Member welcomes Action Mesothelioma Day
February 26, 2009 12:00 AM
Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister, Peter Black, has welcomed the 'Action Mesothelioma Day' being held on February 27th to raise awareness of Mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos and which affects the chest.
Most people who develop the condition have worked in jobs where they have inhaled asbestos fibres or dust. It is a rare cancer with around 2,100 people developing the condition each year in the UK. There is no cure for the disease and most sufferers die within eighteen months of the initial diagnosis. The number of deaths from the disease is rising and is expected to peak in 2020. Mr Black has submitted a Statement of Opinion to the Assembly asking other Assembly Members to back the campaign.
"The campaign to increase awareness of this condition is important because so few people are aware of it." said Mr Black. "The British Lung Foundation estimate that only 6% of the population have heard of Mesothelioma, yet with there still being asbestos in many communities it is important to highlight the dangers that the substance can hold to make sure people are aware of what can happen if it is not disposed of properly."
"But it is also a chance to highlight the problems that can occur due to the fact that a coroner has to investigate any deaths from the condition. This can lead to stress on the family, particularly as when a death occurs at night a visit by uniformed police cars is not uncommon. Treatment for the families of those who have died as a result of the disease has to improve to prevent unnecessary stress from people at a difficult time."
ENDS
Notes: The text of the Statement of Opinion is as follows:
"This Assembly welcomes Action Mesothelioma Day on 27 February 2009 which raises awareness of Mesothelioma, a terminal chest cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The number of deaths caused by Mesothelioma continue to rise year on year and are expected to peak in 2020.
We support the call made by the British Lung Foundation for improved awareness of the dangers of asbestos as well as the need to provide better care and treatment for Mesothelioma patients especially in terms of end of life care."
The following Assembly Members have supported the statement:
Eleanor Burnham
Kirsty Williams
Val Lloyd
Jenny Randerson
Lesley Griffiths
Angela Burns
David Melding
Trish Law
Joyce Watson
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