British Lung Foundation welcomes 'better' test for asbestos cancer

British Lung Foundation Statement in response to research published today in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine by researchers at Oxford  University.

“This study is an important step forward, as it could lead to earlier diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have. and better treatment of mesothelioma which is vital as currently most patients diagnosed with this disease live less than 12 months" said Professor Stephen Spiro, Deputy Chairman of the British Lung Foundation.

“This simple and non invasive test could help improve the survival time of those diagnosed with mesothelioma and give hope to patients and their families affected by this cruel cancer”.

Respiratory disease is the second biggest killer in the UK, one person in every seven in the UK is affected by lung disease – this equates to approximately 8 million people.