MP campaigns to raise awareness of Mesothelioma

30 June 2010

Sandra Osborne MP is campaigning to raise awareness of mesothelioma for the British Lung Foundation's Action Mesothelioma Day on 2 July 2010. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, almost always caused by exposure to asbestos many years ago. There are 33% more deaths from mesothelioma than from cervical cancer.

Sandra said:

'I am happy to support the British Lung Foundation's campaign which calls on the government to increase funding for research and to improve measures to prevent future exposure to asbestos, while calling for faster diagnosis and better treatment and care services'.

She added:

'The British Lung Foundation's own research has shown that 50% of people who have done DIY did not know that asbestos used to be used as a building material and worryingly, 58% of homeowners said they had never received information on how to identify or manage asbestos.

'I would support the British Lung Foundation's recommendation for more public awareness of the presence of asbestos in domestic dwellings through targeted campaigns.'