Mesothelioma death rates continue to rise

New figures show yet another increase in the numbers of people dying from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.

Figures from 2015, only recently released by the Health and Safety Executive, show there were 2,542 deaths from mesothelioma in the UK – up from 2,519 in 2014.

Deaths from mesothelioma – a particularly aggressive form of cancer, for which there is no cure – have increased steeply over the last 50 years, due to the use of asbestos in workplaces from the 1950s until the 80s.

The North East has some of the highest rates of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in the world, as a consequence of its concentration of traditional industries in which asbestos was used widely.

Predictions are that there will be around 2,500 mesothelioma deaths each year for at least the rest of this decade – and in addition to this, it is estimated that there are similar numbers of fatalities each year from other asbestos-related lung cancer.

Raelene Lingam, specialist asbestos solicitor at Newcastle law firm Sintons, supports people with mesothelioma and their families in seeking justice over their historic asbestos exposure.

“These latest statistics yet again highlight how widespread this devastating disease is. Around 2,500 people are dying every year from an aggressive and cruel cancer contracted while they were going about their daily working lives, with no knowledge of the deadly risks they were being exposed to,” she said.

“We have managed to secure settlements in life for many sufferers, who can then be safe in the knowledge that their families will be provided for when they are gone. We also act for families after their loved one has passed away, and support them through the process of finding the justice they need.

“We see first-hand the devastation mesothelioma causes and fight hard for our clients to secure a positive outcome at what is a hugely distressing time.”