New research group offers hope to asbestosis...( The Asbestos Research Group offering...),Health

The Asbestos Research Group, offering hope to sufferers of asbestos-related diseases, was launched at The Wesley Research Institute today.

Special guest Karen Banton, widow of mesothelioma victim and campaigner Bernie Banton, officially launched the group, saying:

"Today brings hope of improved quality of life for those affected by asbestos exposure and ultimately a future free of asbestos-induced sickness."

"Beyond the boardroom and courtroom battles, this is truly Bernie's long-term legacy," she said.

Several Queensland doctors, concerned that Australia has the highest incidence of mesothelioma disease in theworld, have joined with the Wesley Research Institute to form the Asbestos Research Group.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, associated with asbestos exposure, which develops in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity.

Unique in Queensland, the Asbestos Research Group will facilitate research and raise awareness of asbestosis and asbestos-related diseases both to the medical fraternity and the general community, with the aims of improving treatment and enhancing the quality of life of those affected.

The initiating group comprises Brisbane-based Drs Roger Allen, and Maurice Heiner. The Group will analyse the progression of the disease over time as the basis for further research into reduced lung function, then study asbestos-pleural pain. It will also analyse the physical, emotional and financial effects of the disease on patients.

Dr Allen said that he was inspired to be a foundation member of the Group after seeing the terrible effects of asbestos diseases first hand over the past 20 years.

"I continue to see middle aged adults dying from mesothelioma or asbestosis, the victims of decades of appalling indifference around the world to the known dangers of asbestos, and the ravages of asbestos will continue for decades to come," Dr Allen said.

"One of our Gr
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