SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has called on the British Government to facilitate the setting up of a “long-term sustainable” research scheme into an invasive form of lung cancer caused primarily by prior exposure to asbestos.
It takes between 15 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos for the symptoms of mesothelioma to become apparent.
An epidemic of the cancer is expected over the next two years as people exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s are diagnosed with the disease.
Recent cases show tradespeople such as builders, plumbers, gas fitters and electricians are most at risk of developing mesothelioma.
There is currently no cure for the disease and sufferers frequently have a very short life expectancy and experience complex, debilitating symptoms.
Mr Durkan, who has co-sponsored a parliamentary motion on mesothelioma at Westminster, said Britain had the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world and over the next 30 years more than 50,000 people would die of the “devastating disease” unless new treatments were found.
He added: “We desperately need more investment in research into the causes and potential cures for mesothelioma, better treatments to give sufferers more hope, and more awareness amongst tradespeople of the continuing dangers of contact with asbestos.
“I am therefore calling on the government to facilitate the establishment of a long-term sustainable mesothelioma research scheme – funded by the insurance industry”.
Mr Durkan concluded: “I would also like to pay tribute to the great work of the late Paul Goggins MP (former NIO Minister) who made important amendments to the Mesothelioma Bill and raised the profile of the need for long-term investment into research of this deadly disease.”