Corries to support Action Mesothelioma Day – 5th July 2019

July 1, 2019

Corries Solicitors are proud to support the charity Mesothelioma UK on Action Mesothelioma Day on 5th July 2019.

Mesothelioma UK are a charity who campaign and do great work providing information and support to victims of asbestos disease. This week Corries will be helping to raise funds for this great charity. We shall provide a series of articles and help for anyone affected by asbestos disease.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer which is known to be caused by asbestos. Most victims suffer with a build up of fluid around the lining of the lung (the pleura). This is painful and even when drained can come back and can reveal a tumour underneath.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. Life expectancy is usually about one year thought some people have been know to live for quite a few years. Treatment is usually to help keep the tumour in check. Surgery has limited outcomes.

How does Mesothelioma start?

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The tiny fibres of asbestos get stuck in the lung and migrate over time to the lining of the lung. Many people are told of this when the are diagnosed with Pleural Plaques. These are a harmless scarring on the lining of the lung. For most people they will not cause pain, disability nor affect them for the rest of their lives.

Millions living today will have been exposed to asbestos. Fortunately only about 2600 per year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Even that is too many. The number of victims is expected to peak by 2020. Even then it will be a slow decline in numbers thereafter.

What practical measures can mesothelioma victims take?

Victims should seek immediate help and ask for referral to any specialist facilities within the local NHS trust. Referral to a specialist Respiratory Doctor and Nursing staff is essential. This can help to secure the right treatment. Finding out local Oncologists and their knowledge of the condition is a key step.

Practical measures can include

  1. Finding a medical team with knowledge of treating mesothelioma
  2. Finding out what benefits can be secured for the condition (we will explain some more about this later this week)
  3. Get a Solicitor to look into a claim for them
  4. Get any legal affairs into order such as updating a will or writing one if not done already
  5. Check insurance and financial documents and make sure people know everything about your finances
  6. Speak and write down everything you can about your life and working history and exposure to asbestos. Record or tape this as well if you are well enough and you have people who can do this. Most mobile phones can record video or audio information which can prove invaluable

How can I get impartial information about the condition?

The charity Mesothelioma UK are dedicated to helping victims of this awful disease and others with asbestos disease. They have a wealth of helpful information on their website which can be accessed here https://www.mesothelioma.uk.com/

Can mesothelioma be cured?

Mesothelioma treatment is usually based on a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However great steps are being taken on cancer treatment with Immunotherapy.

In the UK and abroad there are numerous trials of Immunotherapy drugs to try and stop or even to cure the disease. Mesothelioma UK produce a regularly updated guide about what is going on and that can be accessed here https://www.mesothelioma.uk.com/information-support/information/clinical-trials/

How can I help the fight against Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma UK rely on donations throughout the year to provide the support and research needed to tackle this disease. Donations can be sent directly or if you hold an event they are happy to support this. At Corries we are holding a Dress Down Day and bake sale. We will be selling the brilliant Mesothelioma UK Forget Me Not Pins,pens, Trolley Coins and Wristbands. If you want one then drop in and we will be happy to take your donation!

Follow our social media this week as we shall provide more information and support for this great cause.