Australia Mesothelioma Registry launched

The Australian Mesothelioma Registry has been launched to collect more detailed and accurate information on mesothelioma and related asbestos exposure than has been possible in the past.

The Registry will collect all notifications of new cases of mesothelioma from the state and territory cancer registries and detailed information on the past exposure to asbestos of mesothelioma patients.

The Australian Mesothelioma Registry will replace the Australian Mesothelioma Register which has been operating since 1985.

It will be managed by a consortium led by the Cancer Institute New South Wales and including some of the leading experts in asbestos related disease in Australia.

Due to the long latency between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the disease, the incidence of mesothelioma is not expected to peak until after 2010.

Safe Work Australia Chair Tom Phillips said it’s important to track the progress of mesothelioma caused by Australia’s high use of asbestos in the past.

“Through the collection of more detailed information, the new Registry will provide important information on the types and levels of exposure to asbestos that typically result in mesothelioma.

“This extra information will aid Safe Work Australia and the Australian Government to develop policies for best dealing with the legacy of asbestos in our buildings and other infrastructure”, said Mr Phillips.

Notification of new cases of mesothelioma to the Registry and the collection of information on asbestos exposure will begin in July 2010.

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