Asbestos-linked cancer victims honoured as plaque unveiled

Scots victims of asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma were honoured yesterday as campaigners urged insurers to make it easier for sufferers and their families to claim compensation.

A plaque dedicated to victims of the disease was unveiled at Glasgow-based support group Clydeside Action on Asbestos to mark Action Mesothelioma Day, a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of the deadly lung condition.

More than 2000 patients a year are diagnosed with the disease in the UK. The overwhelming majority were exposed to asbestos in their working lives.
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The disease takes up to 30 years to manifest itself, but the average life expectancy after diagnosis is just nine to 12 months.

John Connelly, from Neilston, near Glasgow, was diagnosed with the condition last June. The 64-year-old was exposed to asbestos over a 20-year period while working as an engineer.

"Days like this are extremely emotional for sufferers and their families," he said. "But it is vital that we honour those who have died already, as well as those who will die in the future. It's also important that we let others know about the disease.

"Being diagnosed was a terrible blow for myself and my family. I'm trying to cope as best I can and just get on with life. The help I've received here has been fantastic."

Annette Smith's husband, Alec, died last June at age 67 after fighting the disease for two years. She added: "It's great to see the memories of Alec and so many others honoured. Alec joined a group here, and the comfort and support he received from other sufferers was amazing. Mesothelioma is a terrible disease, and we must do everything we can to help those affected by it and their families."

The memorial was unveiled by consultant theratic surgeon Alan Kirk, who said organisations like Clydeside Action on Asbestos played a key role in supporting patients.

"Mesothelioma is a miserable condition that can be very aggressive," he said. "However, we are more able to help improve quality of life for patients, and offer more support, than ever before."

Victims of the disease are entitled to compensation from the government. Many can also claim against their former employers, but the process is complicated by the fact that the exposure took place many years before. Many die before their case has been heard.

Phyllis Craig, from Clydeside Action on Asbestos, said it was time for insurance companies to face up to their responsibilities. "The insurance industry says it want to make it quick and easy for victims to claim. But we don't always see this in practice," she said.