News

EOFY update from the ADDRI team

Sydney’s recent asbestos crisis is a reminder of the dangers posed by environmental negligence. As we begin to tackle the widespread asbestos contamination, we have a crucial lesson to learn: advanced diagnostic tools and improved treatment options for mesothelioma are vital.

It is estimated that 4,000 Australians are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease each year and around 800 people lose their lives to mesothelioma. In addition, approximately 600,000 Australian workers may be at risk of silica dust exposure across a wide range of industries.

ADDRI’s dedicated team of scientists, researchers and clinicians are committed to eradicating these diseases; while specialist nurses provide support to people and families impacted by them. This bed-to-bedside approach is the cornerstone of our mission.

As we approach the end of the financial year, consider supporting ADDRI, where your contribution can help pave the way for a future where we can diagnose and treat asbestos-related diseases more effectively, offering hope to so many.

In November 2022, ADDRI launched a new podcast series to give a voice to those impacted by asbestos and dust-related diseases. Renowned author and broadcaster James O’Loghlin hosts the series of inspiring conversations with patients, carers, health care practitioners and lawyers.

In an episode posted back in February, James spoke with Trevor Seaman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021.  After feeling increasingly breathless Trevor decided to seek medical advice and after numerous appointments and tests was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

In an interesting contrast, this month James spoke with Trevor’s wife, Shirley, about her experience in caring for her husband after diagnosis. Shirley shares openly what it was like when Trevor first received the diagnosis of a condition she had never heard of. She describes her efforts to gather any information she could while she was supporting Trevor through radical surgery, and the lifeline the ADDRI Support service provided.

You can listen to the back catalogue of Dust Disease diaries here

Global Training

In May 2024, ADDRI collaborated with The Asbestos and Silica Safety Agency (ASSEA) and Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA to send a specialist team to Lao PDR and Vietnam. They provided crucial clinical training to local health professionals to improve the diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases and build in-country capacity to manage the ongoing diagnosis of these diseases.

In Vientiane, Lao PDR, participants from surrounding areas attended a three-day program where trainers highlighted the dangers of asbestos and the importance of a ban. Discussions also covered legal issues, exposure history investigation, and public awareness. Visits to medical facilities provided firsthand experience of local practices and challenges.

In Hanoi, Vietnam, the program focused on diagnosing and managing asbestos-related diseases. Participants and trainers visited a hospital to learn how lung diseases are diagnosed and treated.

ADDRI plans to continue collaborating with partners in both countries to provide ongoing support and training, and to develop Clinical Guidelines to help improve diagnosis in the region.

Find out more about the training in Lao PDR and Vietnam here

Meso March 2024

On Sunday 16 June, we held our 4^th annual Meso March. This important event is dedicated to acknowledging and supporting individuals and families impacted by mesothelioma and dust diseases.

We were thrilled by the number of people who walked with us. It is a wonderful way to connect patients and families with our team of scientists, researchers, clinicians and nurses, who are all committed to developing better diagnostic methods and treatments; as well as providing wrap-around support.

This is the cornerstone of our mission – a bed to bedside approach that translates into direct patient outcomes.

Read more about our Meso March here

Thank you for supporting our work.