Stephen Bolon has become the first person in Australia to be cured of mesothelioma. Doctors were able to cure the deadly form of lung cancer due to early detection brought on by new, innovative tests.  

Typically, it takes 20-40 years before mesothelioma becomes detectable through biopsy but the new test is able to measure raised levels of soluble mesothelin-related peptide, allowing the cancer to be detected much earlier on.  

The early diagnosis allowed for two radical surgeries to remove Bolon’s right lung. These surgeries were combined with radiotherapy treatment and, after 2 years, Bolon is now healthy and cancer free. "We are very cautiously excited," said respiratory physician Deborah Yates. "We see so many people dying from mesothelioma, it would be wonderful if this works, it really would."

Australia is at the forefront of mesothelioma research. The country has the highest rates of asbestos-related illnesses in the world. 

Doctors are hoping that they can continue to advance early detection of the disease. A $60,000 grant will allow them to do more work on a simple breath test that will make early detection even easier.

The government in Latrobe Valley, Australia is finally apologizing to asbestos victims and their families for years of pain and suffering. State Electricity Commission Victoria (SECV) workers and their families were exposed to highly toxic asbestos fibers, which came from SECV’s Latrobe Valley power stations where asbestos products were used. The exposure to the dangerous substance is believed to be the cause of a number of diseases and conditions that the workers were subject to.

The apology came from Premier John Brumby during a sitting of Parliament. “On behalf of the Victorian Government and the community, I want to say sorry and to express our regret for the pain and the suffering felt by some former power industry workers and their families caused by asbestos exposure at the former SECV,'' said Brumby.

Although the apology seems to be long overdue, the reaction to the apology appears to be mostly positive. For instance, Allan Walker, an SECV employee of 32 years who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January of 2007, feels that the apology from the government was a sign of compassion and recognition that the problem is significant will not be going away any time soon.

Brumby went on to announce an amendment to the Asbestos Disease Compensation Bill that will allow people to collect provisional damages for asbestosis and further damages if they contract lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Especially since the death of asbestos crusader Bernie Banton, Australia has been making great strides in mesothelioma research.

Unfortunately, asbestos research in Australia is now facing a significant set-back.  Federal records of 1,000 mesothelioma cases have been lost.  The files contained details regarding symptoms, treatment, and causes of Australian mesothelioma patients.  When researchers recently requested the information, a federal government department admitted to having "potentially lost" the records.

A Sydney geologist had requested the information as part of a study to determine how exposure to high concentrations of naturally-occurring asbestos affects people.  In searching for the impact of these "hot spots," he hoped to use the history of past mesothelioma patients.  

The lost files contained data collected in the 1980s in one of the world's most comprehensive mesothelioma surveys.  The records were put into storage in 2001 and have not been found since the search efforts began early last year. Read the story here.

Today in Australia, asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton was honored by friends and family during the International Day of Mourning for Dead and Injured Workers.  Banton spent much of his lifetime advocating for asbestos justice by working for changes in compensation legislation and fighting to have the mesothelioma drug Alimta included on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.  He died last November at age 61 from mesothelioma.

Mourners gathered today at Reflection Park in Sydney's Darling Harbor.  Reverend Bruce Banton said of his brother, "My brother Bernie was one who stood up and was counted and stood for what he felt was right, and right until the end of his life he cared for others.''

Read the full article here.

A study released in Melbourne last night announced that ten percent of Australian carpenters born before 1950 will die of mesothelioma.  They will be among the 30,000 Australians to die of mesothelioma between 2000 and 2050. 

The study was conducted by Professor Julian Peto, based on research and analysis of 600 mesothelioma patients.  Peto found that the cause of the disease was mostly blue and brown asbestos, both of which were used liberally in construction until the 1980s.  Even after Australia recognized the harm of blue asbestos, brown asbestos continued to be used.

According to The Australian, "Prof Peto's research also revealed that Australia and the UK have the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, with 600 cases per year in Australia and almost 2,000 in Britain, and figures are rising."  Prof Peto's research also questions why it was once believed that asbestos exposure below a certain level would not cause harm.