Associations in the Canadian mechanical insulation industry continue to raise tens of thousands of dollars annually to support earlier detection and treatment of mesothelioma - a rare form of cancer occurring in the thin layer of cells lining internal organs. In most cases, mesothelioma is caused by repeated exposure to asbestos.

“This material was used extensively in our trade because of its good insulating properties at high temperatures with a high level of fire resistance, but sadly it was later discovered that it led to this dreadful disease,” says Ross Wilson, Chairman of the Distributors Section of TIAC.

The BC Cancer Agency says the time between exposure to asbestos and development of illness can take up to 50 years, which is why mesothelioma is only now showing up in people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Signs and symptoms typically begin with shortness of breath and chest pain, but depend on the location of the tumors, their size, and whether they are benign or malignant. Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop the cancer, so a large component of current research is dedicated to examining who is most susceptible.

“Unfortunately, this disease affects everyone in our industry. It knows no bounds,” says Malcolm Haylock, manager of the Master Insulators' Association of Ontario (MIA). “Once the detected spots are noted as cancer, there is only a matter of months left of life for an individual, and that is why a big part of what we're supporting is early detection.”

The MIA began raising funds for mesothelioma research 12 years ago and has raised over $800,000 so far. Since 2005, the MIA has been contributing funds to the Princess Margaret Hospital that examines who is most prone to the disease and why, how it can be detected earlier on, and what can be done to prolong the lives of those affected.

“This is very unique and the only program in North America,” says Dr. Marc de Perrot, head of the Toronto Mesothelioma Research Program, adding that receiving donations for this type of research is extremely critical. “Without private funding and donations, such a program would never have started.”

Haylock says research is making progress every year and that workers and their families are already benefiting from the early detection program now in place. “They are getting closer. The money we are raising is helping but we are still a long way way off of finding a solution,” he says. Dr. Perrot adds: “It is too early to tell what the impact of screening with low dose chest CT will have on the diagnosis of mesothelioma. We hope to be able to provide earlier diagnosis and better understanding of the disease.”

The British Columbia Insulation Contractors Association (BCICA) also supports mesothelioma research and created the Western Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation three years ago. The foundation's primary goal is to provide free mesothelioma testing for individuals in western Canada who may be at risk.

In its first two years, the BCICA raised nearly $33,000 through golf tournaments. However, much more was needed in order to begin providing free screening. Fortunately, this year's tournament alone tripled their existing amount. The foundation now has nearly $100,000 just from donations.

The Thermal Insulation Association of Alberta (TIAA) presented a donation of $50,000 at the third annual BCICA golf tournament in Delta, BC, and now has members sitting on the foundation's board.

“We were thrilled to be able to participate. Now we can look after our industry here,” says Ron Richards, provincial president of TIAA who made the presentation alongside TIAA board member, Dan Gagne.

“We want to continue to get the message get out there that this disease isn't specific to our industry. Asbestos-related illnesses affect all industries. We need to raise the awareness and try and build even more money up. There are people still getting sick. This is one way we can help that.”

Up until TIAA got involved, the newly created mesothelioma foundation in western Canada didn't have the necessary funds to begin testing. There was a concern that if they didn't receive substantially more money, they wouldn't have enough to begin screening in the region, explains Richards.

Before support for screening in the region, the cost to be screened for mesothelioma ran up to $500 per person.  “Typically, a lot of people won't make that expense until they get sick. Once they are sick it is usually too late,” adds Richards.

If enough money wasn't raised to support screening in western Canada, donations would be given to research at Princess Margaret Hospital, which is making progress each year.
The report, Mesothelioma Research Program 2009, states that their early detection study has screened over 900 participants so far by means of low-dose computed tomography.
“To date, five cases of malignant pleural (lung cavity) mesothelioma, four cases of malignant peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma and eight cases of lung cancers have been discovered,” the report says. “One case of the malignant pleural mesothelioma was detected at an early stage and has been included in [the] new clinical trial treatment for early stage mesothelioma, which involves using short course of radiation followed by surgery.”

Dr. Geoffrey Liu and Dr. Ming Tsao are also studying the interaction between asbestos exposure and genetic factors that determine how the body responds to asbestos.
“Studies continue to determine the genetic factors associated with a patient’s response to drug therapy, while other studies are focused on developing animal models of human mesothelioma to better understand the basic mechanisms of this cancer,” says the report.

“This year (2009) we have collected over 350 blood samples for analysis, and have begun looking at bio-markers (proteins in the blood) that can predict for either the presence of mesothelioma,or for predicting how well someone does after diagnosis,” the report continues. “These samples represent the largest set of samples in Canada and one of the largest set of samples around the world related to mesothelioma.”

Dr. Perrot says the most important thing to keep in mind for someone who has been in contact with asbestos is not to smoke and to seek medical attention if shortness of breath occurs.
The Mesothelioma Research Program currently offers free screening involving a CT scan that detects abnormalities. Individuals with previous asbestos exposure at least 20 years ago, or who have had a presence of pleural plaques on chest x-rays, may qualify for a screening. Qualifiers must be 30 years or older and be in general good health having had no prior cancers (except non-melanotic skin cancer).

For more information, contact the Mesothelioma Research Program coordinator, Brenda Sullivan in Toronto at 416.340.5686.

Plans are in the works to provide a similar screening process in western Canada.

To make a donation, call the MIA at 905.279.6426 or the BCICA at 604.438.6616.