Brooks calls for better treatment for people with asbestos-related lung cancer
Brooks Newmark joined the British Lung Foundation at the House of Commons on Wednesday 25th February to mark the fourth Action Mesothelioma Day campaign.Brooks Newmark joined the British Lung Foundation at the House of Commons on Wednesday 25th February to mark the fourth Action Mesothelioma Day campaign to raise awareness of the asbestos-related lung cancer Mesothelioma and to call for better standards of care and treatment for people affected by the disease.
Brooks showed his support by signing Early Day Motion 879, which appeals for more patients to be given guidance in relation to end-of-life care are and to be given more opportunities to take part in medical trials. These calls follow the results of a survey of Mesothelioma patients and their carers conducted by the British Lung Foundation.
The survey found that 40 per cent of patients and carers had not received support in relation to the end of life, and almost 59 per cent were not offered the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial, despite the lack of treatment options available.
Brooks says, "I am pleased that the British Lung Foundation's survey reveals many people are receiving high-quality care and information; however, we need to work to continue to improve support offered to patients and their families, particularly in relation to end-of-life care, and to give them the chance to try new treatments for this cruel cancer.'
Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: "We are very pleased that Brooks Newmark MP is continuing to support the Action Mesothelioma Campaign. Much has been achieved in the past year but there is a long way to go. We need more research into this deadly cancer and improved standards of treatment and care to give those affected more hope."
Mesothelioma develops between 15 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos. Over 2,000 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma every year in the UK - more than five people every day - and sadly most will die within a year of being diagnosed and only 10 per cent will be alive 3 years later.
Every year the death rate increases which has led experts to believe that we are heading towards an epidemic of asbestos-related illness. The rising number of deaths from the condition is linked to the use of asbestos in the building industry up until the mid 1980s.
Photo: Brooks supports Action Mesothelioma Day campaign to raise awareness of the asbestos-related lung cancer Mesothelioma.
