Doug Naysmith MP supports the Action Mesothelioma campaign by signing the House of Commons motion
Bristol North West MP, Doug Naysmith, joined the British Lung Foundation and other campaigners at the House of Commons on Tuesday to welcome a new Department of Health initiative aimed at improving services for people with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.
Doug Naysmith MP said: “I am delighted that the British Lung Foundation’s Action Mesothelioma Campaign is helping to bring about real improvements for people with this cruel disease. Currently there is no known cure for this disease so it is important that we continue to call for more research, and more awareness about the dangers of asbestos. Mesothelioma kills one person every five hours in the UK so it is vital that the public are aware of the potential dangers of asbestos in their homes, when undertaking DIY projects. I will continue to support the Action Mesothelioma Charter and the issues it raises.”
There is still widespread ignorance about the health hazards of asbestos and where it might be found in the home, despite the fact that anyone who comes into contact with it could be at risk. Around 2,000 people died of mesothelioma in the UK in 2005 and the UK is facing an epidemic of the cancer in 2011 - 2015 as people exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s are diagnosed with the disease. (It takes 40 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to become apparent following exposure to asbestos).
Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said: “We are very pleased that Doug Naysmith MP is continuing to support the Action Mesothelioma Charter. Much has been achieved in the past year but there is a long way to go. We need more research into this deadly cancer, better treatments to give sufferers more hope, and more public awareness of the continuing dangers of contact with asbestos.”
Anyone who wants more information about the British Lung Foundation, or Action Mesothelioma should visit www.lunguk.org or call the BLF Helpline on 08458 50 50 20.
