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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010

British Lung Foundation Announces 2010 Action Mesothelioma Day

The British Lung Foundation, the only UK charity working for people affected by lung disease, has announced their annual Action Mesothelioma Day for July 2, 2010. The goal of the day is to raise awareness of mesothelioma and to improve the care and treatment for patients.

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. The number of mesothelioma deaths each year in the UK has increased from 153 in 1968 to around 2000 today.

Last year’s Day included a variety of events throughout the UK including a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons. The attendees discussed a survey of mesothelioma patients and their caregivers that showed that two-fifths of the patients did not have access to end-of-life care. They also discussed the impact of the Mesothelioma Framework on NHS services.

The British Lung Foundation started Action Mesothelioma Day in 2006 in conjunction with the creation of the Mesothelioma Charter. The Charter calls for improved care and treatment for mesothelioma patients, better protection for employees and more funding for research.

The events for 2010 have not yet been announced.