Specialists work hard to raise awareness of killer conditionawareness (From Penarth Times)

Specialists work hard to raise awareness of killer conditionawareness

CANCER specialists at Llandough Hospital have been working this week to raise awareness of Mesothelioma - a killer disease with no cure brought on by contact with asbestos - as February 27 was National Mesothelioma Day.

Kay Rowe, a specialist oncology nurse who works for Tenovus at Llandough Hospital, explained that Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lining of the lung or, less commonly, the lining of the abdomen.

Almost all cases of Mesothelioma are caused by past exposure to asbestos fibres.

Kay said: "It's not just workers that contract the disease. People who come into contact with workers who have handled the fibres are also at risk, wives, partners, mothers and children too.

"Anything as simple as washing work clothes or wearing their dad's boots can cause the disease.

"Asbestos was present in schools and hospitals in the 1960s and for many years even domestic goods such as ironing boards had asbestos iron stands."

Kay explained: "It occurs most commonly between 15-45 years after the exposure to asbestos.

"Initially no symptoms are experienced and the disease is not easily identifiable on x-rays or body scans.

"Symptoms can be vague such as loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and an increase in tiredness.

"As Mesothelioma progresses, symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath become more common. This is due to the thickening around the lining of the lung, making it harder for the lung to expand properly.

"Fluid can also build in between the linings of the lung, causing further pressure, and a troublesome cough is often noted. Pain and a swelling of the abdomen can happen in peritoneal Mesothelioma."

There is no known cure for Mesothelioma.