Posts Tagged 'lung cancer'
Meso Foundation commends U.K. efforts on mesothelioma, urges U.S. to follow suit
17 Mar 2010 by Wendi Lewis under Legal, News, Organizations, Research/Treatment
UK Justice Secretary Jack Straw
Earlier this month, Chris Hahn, executive director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) expressed his support for the recent announcement from the UK that it plans to not only endorse compensation for mesothelioma victims, but to promote research and treatment. In a news release, Hahn praised the U.K. for its recognition "that society's obligation and moral responsibility to remedy the tragic legacy of decades of asbestos use requires funding research to develop effective medical treatments." Then, he asked the all-important question: "Will the United States follow?"
Hahn's praise and plea followed remarks by the U.K.'s Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw, who has been outspoken about the government's role in caring for workers harmed by asbestos on the job. Straw issued a statement Feb. 25, 2010, in response to an ongoing debate over the government's decision on the question of compensation for pleural plaques.
Although pleural plaques, which are small areas of fibrosis in the pleura of the lung caused by asbestos exposure, indicate that a person has been exposed to asbestos, they generally do not cause any significant change in lung function. As a result, the Law Lords on Oct. 17, 2007 determined that people who have pleural plaques, but no other asbestos-caused illness, are not eligible for any compensation for medical treatment or other financial claims. The debate over pleural plaques sparked a national debate about asbestos disease.
Although subsequent research did not provide enough evidence to overturn the Law Lords' ruling, it has provided significant information about asbestos disease, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The government also is establishing a number of policies to make it easier for those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or serious asbestos disease to receive compensation more quickly. Additionally, the research has encouraged the UK government to take a stronger stand on mesothelioma research and treatment.
According to Straw's statement, "The fact that the UK has one of the highest rates of death from mesothelioma in the world is a legacy of our industrial heritage and the part that asbestos played in it. Just as the UK was a global leader in the asbestos industry, we must now become a global leader in research into asbestos-related disease."
The government of the UK is calling for the creation of a National Centre for Asbestos-Related Disease, which will be a "collaborative network of funded researchers whose core purpose would be to advance medical research into the prevention, cure and alleviation of asbestos-related disease – primarily mesothelioma," according to Straw. He said the insurance industry has pledged £3 million toward this research effort.
Benefits of such a concentrated and cooperative research and treatment program would not only benefit mesothelioma patients, but also would significantly reduce the costs of litigation, death and disability benefits, and health care costs, Hahn points out.
"This is exactly what the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has been urging in the United States the past ten years," Hahn says. "Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are a fundamental problem of social justice. And a just solution to that problem requires medical research to develop effective treatments to end the suffering and save lives. It is encouraging to see that the U.K. is getting it; we hope the U.S. will catch up soon."
Read Hahn's statement.
For more information, visit the Meso Foundation online at www.curemeso.org.
Tags: asbestos, Chris Hahn, Jack Straw, Law Lords, lung cancer, Meso Foundation, mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, National Centre for Asbestos-Related Disease, pleural plaques, U.K., UK
12 Responses to "Meso Foundation commends U.K. efforts on mesothelioma, urges U.S. to follow suit"
annmariewaters on March 28th, 2010 at 5:21 am
It is about time a very much neeeded chemoembolisation trial to treat mesothelioma became available in the UK.
Read the full story here: http://www.mesotheliomalungs.org/mesothelioma-v…
The amount of asbestos that still lurks in public buildings is shocking! For instance – 13, 000 UK schools alone contain it.
http://www.mesotheliomalungs.org/category/asbes…
Read the full story here: http://www.mesotheliomalungs.org/mesothelioma-victims-need-chemoembolisation-trial-in-the-uk
http://www.mesotheliomalungs.org/category/asbestos-and-public-places
Mesothelioma on September 12th, 2010 at 7:05 am
Thanks a lot for this information it has been very helpful in my search of Mesothelioma.
pleural mesothelioma on March 3rd, 2011 at 11:33 am
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legal blog on March 3rd, 2011 at 11:34 am
Finally saw, will continue to focus on
Marcus on May 10th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
To be fair to the US, England is the size of Tennessee. It is much easier to get things done politically when you have a smaller population.
http://www.weitzlux.com/asbestos-exposure_1962607.html
We have high rates of meso and we care, it's just that we are not a particularly unified country in some ways, and when you take into account that some areas are much more affected by meso than others, you can see why the US is slow to take the actions nations in the UK have.
asbestos removal perth on August 4th, 2011 at 1:36 am
Its great to see modern technology helping people out.
http://www.asbestosperth.com.au
Asbestosperth on September 29th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
There is not enough awareness or funding, so its positive news to see more action being taken. England like Australia has too much asbestos still needed to be disposed of, and health problems can be avoided by taking more action through funding, awareness and focusing on solutions
Asbestos Expert on September 29th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Asbestos can build up cumulatively over time, so its important to raise more awareness and pioneer new research so that cures and effective treatments can be discovered. There is probably nothing more painful than suffering from ailments of the lungs, so great news for England in fighting the asbestos problem. I have some free information on my site on tips to identify asbestos fences and steps to reduce hazards http://www.asbestosremovalsperth.net.au
Florencia on December 18th, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on
blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It's always exciting to read through content from other writers and use a little something from other websites.
ADAO praises senate for asbestos awareness resolution
5 Mar 2010 by Wendi Lewis under Events, News, Organizations
This week the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) praised Senate leaders for a resolution that declares the first week of April 2010 as "National Asbestos Awareness Week." This is the sixth year in a row that the ADAO has been active in working with Senate leaders to secure a national resolution in recognition of the dangers of asbestos.
The resolution is sponsored by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.). Co-sponsors and key supporters are Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).
A news release from the ADAO quotes the organization's Co-Founder and Executive Director Linda Reinstein as saying, "We are grateful to the U.S. Senate to have the opportunity to help raise the level of public awareness about the prolific dangers of asbestos and further unite doctors, scientists, and public health advocates during National Asbestos Awareness Week for this important effort. During the past six years, ADAO has seen the progress and indeed, this confirms what Americans deserve and want. We know asbestos prevention and education will save lives and dollars."
The ADAO was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004. It seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO's mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and exposure can cause asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. According to the ADAO news release, studies estimate that during the next decade 100,000 workers around the world will die of an asbestos-related disease. This equals 30 deaths per day.
The ADAO annually holds a conference in conjunction with National Asbestos Awareness Week. The Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference is set for April 10, 2010, in Chicago, Ill.
For more information about ADAO or for conference registration, visit ADAO online at www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.
Tags: ADAO, asbestos, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, asbestosis, Chicago, Linda Reinstein, lung cancer, mesothelioma, National Asbestos Awareness Week, Sen. Barbara Boxer, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Sen. Harry Reid, Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sen. Jon Tester, Sen. Max Baucus, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Richard Durbin, Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference
One Response to "ADAO praises senate for asbestos awareness resolution"
Gary Flynn on May 10th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Patty Murray has been a great advocate for the cause, and everyone who cares about preventing asbestos diseases is thankful for her (and others') hard work.
http://www.weitzlux.com/asbestos-Act_1877332.html
Mesothelioma cases on the rise in South Korea
1 Mar 2010 by Wendi Lewis under Events, News
Health officials in South Korea are recording significant increases in asbestos-related diseases among the country's population, including asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. According to a report by TIME Magazine, the number of mesothelioma diagnoses increased from just 12 in 2001, to 55 new cases in 2007, the most recent year that data is available. It is, "in public health terms, a notable increase," TIME quotes Paek Dom-yung, an occupational medicine professor at Seoul National University.
While South Korea enjoyed a boom in urban development from the 1960s through the 1980s, it is becoming evident the country's lax rules on asbestos regulation may have exposed millions of people to health hazards. According to the TIME report, Seoul did not place a full ban on asbestos manufacturing, import and use until last year. It also had no regulations in place for the safe removal of existing asbestos during demolition and remodeling projects.
Now, trade and labor unions in South Korea are calling for the government to take responsibility for workers it knowingly exposed to deadly asbestos, and who are now suffering as a result.
Due to the long latency period between exposure and the development of mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases – which can be as long as 20-50 years – South Korean health officials are bracing for a future epidemic. It is predicted that the incidence of mesothelioma diagnoses in the region will not peak until around 2030.
Tags: asbestos, asbestosis, latency, lung cancer, mesothelioma, Paek Dom-yung, Seoul, South Korea
3 Responses to "Mesothelioma cases on the rise in South Korea"
lawyer on March 5th, 2011 at 6:21 am
Years of illnesses, treatment is timely is I learned to learn
Keith D'elia on May 10th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Lax rules on asbestos regulations… sounds like China, India, Russia, all the other countries that are lax now and will be paying it for it with their citizens' lives. And not only is it in Korea's buildings, it's in their beauty products:
http://www.weitzlux.com/asbestos-drugs-cosmetics_1936911.html
Perth asbestos on August 19th, 2011 at 7:53 am
They should start dealing with the problem now, its only going to get worse for people in South Korea.
http://www.safeasbestosremoval.com.au and http://www.asbestosremovalforperth.com.au both are asbestos companies owned by me if you don't want this to happen to you then call us for a free quote.
Alimta developer to be inducted into Chemistry Hall of Fame
1 Jan 2010 by Wendi Lewis under News, People, Research/Treatment
Princeton University announced Edward Taylor, its A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Organic Chemistry Emeritus, will be inducted into the American Chemical Society (ACS) Division of Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame in 2010. Additionally, Taylor has been inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame and was selected to receive the 2010 Alfred Burger Award in Medicinal Chemistry from the ACS. Taylor was instrumental in the development of Alimta, a drug manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co. and approved for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in 2004.
Taylor was recently honored for his accomplishments at the Celebrate Princeton Invention reception, held Dec. 18. He developed Alimta in partnership with scientists at Eli Lilly and Co. after spending more than 40 years on the Princeton faculty. However, he began research that would lead to the mesothelioma drug's development while a graduate student at Cornell University.
According to a Princeton news release, Taylor became fascinated by reports of a compound obtained from spinach and liver that had a unique chemical structure with a nucleus previously only observed in the pigments of butterfly wings. The compound from liver, now known as folic acid, he found was essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and for the growth of cells. Taylor observed that changes to the structure of folic acid could transform it from a growth-promoting to a growth-inhibiting compound, and dedicated his career to determine how it could be used to kill cancer cells.
Since its approval by the FDA in 2004, the drug has received three additional FDA approvals, most recently in July when it became the first chemotherapy approved for use as a maintenance therapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer. Alimta has been successful in improving the quality of life and extending the lifespan of millions of cancer patients in nearly 100 countries around the world.
Taylor has previously been honored with the ACS Heroes of Chemistry Award, the International Society of Heterocyclic Chemistry Senior Award in Heterocyclic Chemistry, and the Research and Development Council of New Jersey's Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award for Invention.
Tags: ACS Heroes of Chemistry, Alimta, American Chemical Society, Chemistry Hall of Fame, chemotherapy, DNA, Edward Taylor, Eli Lilly and Co., folic acid, lung cancer, Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame, mesothelioma, New Jersey, Princeton University, RNA
One Response to "Alimta developer to be inducted into Chemistry Hall of Fame"
Sasha Jensen on May 10th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Ha! I didn't know there was a chemistry hall of fame, but Alimta's earned its place for sure:
http://www.weitzlux.com/mesothelioma-alimta-cancer_669.html
Future tied up in past as asbestos deaths continue in Libby
30 Dec 2009 by Wendi Lewis under News
As part of its look back at the year 2009, the Missioulian newspaper spoke with residents of Libby, Montana, the "poster child" for mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. Libby and its people have been decimated by asbestos exposure from the vermiculite mine that for generations operated in the town. Even those who did not work in the mine were affected, as asbestos dust blanketed the town, spilled from trucks and railway cars, and asbestos particles were used as landfill throughout the town.
W.R. Grace & Company operated the mine. In 2009, the company and several of its officers were brought up on criminal charges, but a jury returned a verdict of "not guilty." Many following the trial closely said the government botched its case against the company, and others argued Grace's deep pockets simply outpaced the efforts of a handful of government lawyers.
The aquittal was another in a long line of emotional blows for Libby residents, who hoped to see W.R. Grace finally brought to justice for the devastation of their hometown, their families and loved ones. Generations of Libby residents have already died of mesothelioma, and many more are currently suffering from mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and a host of other ailments caused by longterm exposure to asbestos.
On June 17, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finally declared a public health emergency in Libby. This designation – the first of its kind in American history – will allow the government to increase funds to provide for medical treatment for Libby residents, and for research into asbestos disease. According to the Missoulian, Libby has already received $6 million, which is designated for patient screening and care, and the town is set to receive an additional $2 million for health care and home care assistance. The paper reports the asbestos health care clinic – the Center for Asbestos Related Diseases (CARD) – and the local hospital are planning expansions.
At the beginning of December, a series of town hall meetings were held, hoping to address important questions about safety and health, including whether or not the government's clean-up efforts are truly making any difference.
For residents who already have seen husbands, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives die terrible deaths from asbestos disease, it is too little too late. They try to remain strong, but they are angry, and sad, and it's hard to hold onto hope.
Read the full article by Missoulian reporter Micheal Jamison.
Tags: asbestos, asbestos disease, asbestosis, CARD, Center for Asbestos Related Diseases, Libby, lung cancer, mesothelioma, Missoulian, Montana, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, vermiculite, W.R. Grace & Co.
6 Responses to "Future tied up in past as asbestos deaths continue in Libby"
mikecrill on December 30th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Thanks to Max "WR Grace" Baucus,his slip of the Medicare bill for Libby WILL cost BILLIONS and NOW guess who is going to pay for our/my medical? You bet…you tax payers.We all need help till we die and we will get that help one way or the other but to save WR Grace from paying for what they/THEY did…is criminal.Bad enough they got away with killing all of us now they aren't going to pay for us. Hell of a deal Max Baucus you cheaten,lieing basta*d…In your statement Max Baucus to Congress defending your slip to save Grace, you stated Max, quote:The People of Libby were poisoned and have been dying for over a decade… " NEW RESIDENTS, continue to get sick all the time.Public health tragedies like this could happen in any town"… So what is it Max? Is Libby safe or still killing more people? And who is responsible to those "NEW RESIDENTS who are now sentenced to suffer till death, as the rest of us. The killing of innocent people has not stopped and nor has the lies being told that Libby is a safe place to live and raise a family.This is a deadly lie…and EVERYONE knows this and no one is stopping this.No warnings. No truth told to save those from this death sentence.At the settlement hearing,that I was kicked out of, less than 100 people were their and slowly one by one they got up and left when they were told, after 10 years , that they are only going to get 6 thousand.6 thousand for 10 years of hell.Then were told a year or so before anyone see anything. AND THEN, were told any money they get from other lawsuits, you have to PAY a % BACK to WR Grace.Back of what???6 thousand.This don't even bury any of us.Then to top that the State of Montana offered to settle for 3 thousand each…for 10 years of hell. Yah, 3 and 6 thousand.Unreal huh.And my children are not included for their pain and suffering they endure the rest of their lives. So of course I told them where to shove their offer and have requested and demanded that the Libby Fix be what me and my family settle for.And for the people of Libby.The Libby Fix was drafted my me in 2005 and went to the Senate for vote and passed. Then went to Congress and missed by ONE vote.(Stevens of Alaska) Had we won that vote, we all would of been taken care of with 400 thousand and medical paid.No need to give us a dime if we have to pay for our own medical.Cost on average,$500 thousand to care for a asbestos victim.And the latest is that because I am representing myself against those that did this to me, I am now being told that I have nothing wrong with me.All because of one Dr. who is a WR Grace insurance Dr. who said this.Even thou I am dying from asbestosis. So, the sick and dying people continue to be treated unfairly and I am tired of being at the bottom of this well when everyone else is getting rich from the killing of us.3 and 6 thousand is what we waited 10 years to be told? What would you think…do???? I know what I'd love to do but…..I want the Libby Fix.It's my money and I want it NOW!!! haha. would be nice. I also am still looking for a lawyer to represent me. Take care and stay away from Libby Mt. Thank you
Will on January 5th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
If I were in that situation, I think I'd sue just to try to get the company to take personal responsibility. Sometimes it's not so much about the money as it is about making them admit what they did. Anyone in Libby who agrees with that should check out http://www.mesolawsuit.com to get more information.
mikecrill on January 5th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Hi Will. We have tried and have failed like OJ.Guilty of murder but the bloody glove don't fit…Because WR Grace got away with murder, who believes there is Justice in a Country where the Government is just as Guilty??? Who is going to pay? Who is going to jail? Who is going to admit guilt? The evidence is in the walking dead.Plus this crap that only Meso gets help sucks cause asbestosis is just as bad except longer to suffer till death.All the same..in the end.Why wait till we get Meso to represent us.We would like to be able to spent and enjoy anything before it is really too late.With Libby continueing the deadly exposure by the lies being told/sold that Libby is safe…10 years now I have told the truth.Sure hope it don't take another 10 years to tell the truth.May not make it that long.Thank the Lord I am here today to continue to say what I say and that is stay away from Libby Mt.No Justice Will…for us.
Plus this crap that only Meso gets help sucks cause asbestosis is just as bad except longer to suffer till death." You are right, it is a terrible disease that does not get taken seriously by those who have never had it or known people who do.
http://www.weitzlux.com/asbestosis-diagnosis_1962616.html
James Hardie executives handed penalties in asbestos compensation fund case
21 Aug 2009 by Wendi Lewis under Legal, News
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) reported this week that the New South Wales Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that it will impose penalties against seven former directors and three executives of James Hardie Industries Limited. James Hardie is a manufacturer of Fiber Cement Siding and Backerboard. The court said the former Australian listed entity (JHIL) breached the Corporations Act in 2001 when making statements about the adequacy of asbestos compensation funding. The court also ruled James Hardie Industries NV (JHINV, based in the Netherlands) breached its continuous disclosure obligation in 2003.
James Hardie was one of Australia's largest manufacturers of asbestos building products, and was alleged to have known the dangers of asbestos for decades.
The current proceedings came about as a result of ASIC's investigation of matters identified by the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Medical Research and Compensation Foundation. James Hardie established the foundation, which was intended to compensate families who lost loved ones to asbestos disease, in 2001. The inquiry into the MRCF was established in 2004, and the commission found that James Hardie industries deliberately underfunded the victims' compensation fund
According to a report by Nonee Walsh of ABC News, who has been following the story since 2003, James Hardie has spent about $25 million so far fighting the ASIC's case, while asbestos victims and their families have been simultaneously negotiating for new funding for the foundation. Payments to the new asbestos compensation foundation are currently suspended.
Walsh also noted that Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos disease in the world, including asbestos-caused lung cancer, mesothelioma. In 2003, when the sale of all asbestos products was finally banned in Australia, the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission went on record as saying there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure.
The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, and there is currently no known cure. Mesothelioma most often affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs, but also may affect the lining of the abdomen or, more rarely, the heart. Asbestos exposure also causes a variety of other diseases, including asbestos, a severe scarring of the lungs.
It is estimated that the levels of asbestos disease will not peak in Australia until 2020, when it is expected that there will be 13,000 cases of mesothelioma and up to 40,000 cases of other asbestos-related lung cancer and disease.
The New South Wales Supreme Court imposed financial penalties totaling $750,000, and said the company directors and executives named in the case will be barred from serving other boards of directors for between 5 and 15 years.
According to the ASIC, the James Hardie decision underlines the responsibility of companies to assess and check the veracity of statements make to the market. ASIC Chairman Tony D'Aloisio said, "The decision is another important step in improving corporate governance in Australia and that improvement will add confidence to the integrity of our markets."
The matter will return to the Court on August 27, at which time the Court will make orders reflecting the penalties. The defendants will then have 28 days to appeal the findings.
Tags: asbestos, asbestos disease, asbestosis, Australia, Australian Securities and Investment Commission, James Hardie, lung cancer, Medical Reserach and Compensation Foundation, mesothelioma
8 Responses to "James Hardie executives handed penalties in asbestos compensation fund case"
redwed on August 24th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
is there a cure for this disease? or do the illness need to undergo on chemotherapy session
wyoming_mesothelioma_lawyers on September 17th, 2009 at 6:17 am
That's the great article I just pass'n read it, two thumbs up!!
mikecrill on September 17th, 2009 at 10:26 am
The best cure for this deadly Tremolite asbestos fiber is to learn and educate yourself to the truth.To where this stuff is and then to tell others to stay away too.There are hundreds of Little Libby Mts, today,waking up to the truth as to why they are sick and dying from not being told the truth.Remember, Libby Mt is where 90% of the Worlds(TREMOLITE) asbestos came from.And it was known in the 50 and 60 that millions will suffer till death and here we are.Check out:Asbestos.com.-Elevated Risk for other cancers.This is why we must educate the people, for the sake of those we leave behind.Take Care and God Bless
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Lung cancer awareness takes big step forward
18 Aug 2009 by Wendi Lewis under Legal, News, Organizations
This week the Lung Cancer Alliance announced a big step forward in raising awareness and establishing real support for lung cancer research. The agency announced Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) has agreed to cosponsor the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009, S.332.
This important legislation authorizes a five-year program to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer, which continues to be the number one cancer killer.
Even though mesothelioma is not technically classified as "lung cancer" because it affects the lining of the chest and lungs, and can also affect the lining of the abdomen and the heart, I am excited to see real progress being made in this area. Funding for research and treatment of lung cancer can only benefit victims of mesothelioma – pleural in particular, affecting the lungs – as well as other asbestos-related diseases that affect the lungs, such as abestosis, a severe scarring of the lungs.
The bill will require the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Defense and Veterans Affairs to combine forces on a comprehensive, coordinated plan of action with funding authorized for five years to accomplish mortality reduction goals.
Of particular interest is a requirement in the bill directing the Secretaries of Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans' Affairs (VA) to implement an early detection and disease management program for military personnel who are at high risk of lung cancer because of exposure to carcinogens during active duty. As the mesothelioma community knows, many veterans, particularly those who served in the U.S. Navy, now suffer from mesothelioma as a result of the widespread use of asbestos on Navy vessels for years.
According to the LCA, the bill includes specific authorizations of $75,000,000 for certain National Institutes of Health (NIH) agencies in FY10 and authorizes such additional sums as may be necessary for all the cited agencies to accomplish the goal for FY2010 through FY2014.
Read more at the LCA web site.
Tags: asbestos, asbestos disease, asbestosis, lung cancer, Lung Cancer Alliance, Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009, mesothelioma, Senator Ben Nelson, U.S. Navy, veterans
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Ask Oprah Winfrey to talk about lung cancer
21 May 2009 by Wendi Lewis under Events, News, People
There is a campaign going on RIGHT NOW to bring the topic of lung cancer to the attention of Oprah Winfrey, in hopes the immensely popular talk show host will help bring awareness to the issue. The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation is sending a gigantic letter – 6 feet tall – to the Oprah Winfrey Show to catch the attention of producers and ask Oprah to dedicate a show to the topic of lung cancer.
The Foundation was established to bring awareness to the issue of lung cancer, and to eradicate the disease through research, education, early detection, prevention and treatment.
Lung cancer awareness groups are joining in this effort, and asking everyone who supports the issue of lung cancer awareness to SEND AN E-MAIL to the Oprah Winfrey Show voicing your support for this topic.
Although mesothelioma is not generally addressed when people talk about more traditional "lung cancer," it most often affects the lining of the lungs, and research into the causes and treatments of lung cancer can also raise awareness of mesothelioma and help lead to treatments for meso as well, so I'm hoping the members of the meso community will support these efforts.
Please log on to the Oprah.com Plug Form right now to let the show's producers know why you think lung cancer should be discussed on the show. Please mention the Bonnie J. Addario Foundation's "big letter" and encourage them to read it, and to add YOUR voice to this call.
Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of both men and women, and yet it is funded at much lower rates than other types of cancer. There is an overwhelming 85 percent mortality rate as a result of lung cancer.
Tags: Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, lung cancer, mesothelioma, Oprah Winfrey
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Japanese workers call for government support of asbestos illness claims
24 Mar 2009 by Wendi Lewis under Legal, News
The Tokyo-based Ban Asbestos Network Japan (BANJAN) is lobbying the Japanese government to recognize and support compensation for workers who contracted mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases on the job. The organization is made up of civic groups and labor unions.
BANJAN is examining cases where workers contracted mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, as well as asbestos-related lung cancer. The group says only 7 percent of those who develop lung cancer as a result of asbestos exposure receive any support or compensation. Support for mesothelioma patients has increased slightly, from about 44.4 percent between 1995 and 2007, to about 51.8 percent of victims receiving compensation in 2004.
According to a report in The Mainichi Daily News, often times those suffering from mesothelioma or asbestos-related illnesses are not aware of available services, or do not know how to go about filing for compensation. There also are strict guidelines to qualify for compensation, promptin BANJAN to call for a revision of the Asbestos Health Damage Relief Law to help workers qualify for benefits.
Perhaps a good sign, this week Daily News reported that the head council for the Fund for Local Government Employees Accident Compensation overturned an earlier decision to deny compnesation to the family of a worker who died of mesothelioma. Masanori Takeda died in December 2005. His work involved handling asbestos insulation.
Originally, the News reports, the compensation fund's Osaka branch and its screening committee rejected the claim for compensation, which was filed by Takeda's wife, saying the asbestos exposure was not a primary function of the worker's job and therefore didn't qualify for the public service casualty compensation.
However, the head council ruled the man's job did involve long term exposure to asbestos, and that the mesothelioma was a result of that exposure, and granted the compensation claim.
Tags: asbestos, compensation, Japan, lung cancer, mesothelioma
4 Responses to "Japanese workers call for government support of asbestos illness claims"
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Mesothelioma on January 13th, 2012 at 7:41 am
This is really bad that mostly poor workers become a victim of asbestos exposure.
LCA Chairman Coady has died
1 Jul 2008 by Wendi Lewis under News, People
I was very sad today to learn that Rear Admiral Phil Coady, U.S. Navy (Ret.) passed away yesterday, June 30. Admiral Coady served as Chairman of the Board for the Lung Cancer Alliance, and was kind enough to share his story with this blog in April. A non-smoker, Coady was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 2005. The diagnosis spurred him to advocacy, particularly on behalf of Veterans.
Although Coady didn't suffer from mesothelioma, he was very much aware of the risks posed by asbestos. His work during his time in the Navy very often put him in contact with the substance, he said, and seven of his friends died from mesothelioma since his retirement. In addition, for 10 years following his retirement, Coady worked as president of the Navy Mutual Aid Association, a non-profit veterans benefit group and life insurance service, where he said he saw what he thought was a disproportionate amount of lung cancer deaths.
When he began investigating lung cancer research efforts, Adm. Coady was shocked at the relatively few dollars spent by the Veterans Administration and the U.S. Department of Defense, considering the number of veterans affected by the disease. He also was disappointed at the overall lack of funding for lung cancer research in comparison to spending on other cancers, especially since lung cancer is the leading cancer killer.
He dedicated himself as Chairman of the Board for the Lung Cancer Alliance, fighting the battle for lung cancer awareness and funding under the organization's motto "No More Excuses. No More Lung Cancer." He led efforts in lobbying Congress to make lung cancer a national health priority.
Just last week, Coady saw some of the first fruits of his efforts, when Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate creating and authorizing at least $75 million for lung cancer research. This is the first ever multi-agency, comprehensive program targeted at reducing lung cancer mortality.
Perhaps the best memoriam Adm. Coady could receive is for supporters of lung cancer awareness and research to contact their U.S. Senators NOW and ask them to add their support to S. 3187, the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act. Remember him and take action for those to come after him! You can view his obituary here.
Blessings to Adm. Coady's family at this time of loss.
Tags: asbestos, awareness, Boston, Congress, death, Department of Defense, EPA, LCA, lung cancer, Lung Cancer Alliance, Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2008, meso, mesothelioma, mortality, Navy, Rear Admiral Phil Coady, research, Sen. Chuck Hagel, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, veterans, Veterans Administration
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